NYSRPS The Voice Winter/Spring 2016

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETYOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETYOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETYOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETYOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETYOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY

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Our Mission:

The New York State Recreation & Park Society (NYSRPS) is the principal organization advancing the value of parks, recreation, and leisure services through professional development of its members and citizen engagement.

NYSRPS has served the leisure service industry for more than 75 years as an independent, nonprofit, public interest, professional membership association dedicated to the following:• To function in such a manner as will further the interests of

the leisure service movement, its professionals and leaders in voluntary, public, private, and commercial agencies.

• To promote principles and standards for the improvement of leisure services and to encourage studies and research in professional relations.

• To affiliate for our mutual benefit and cooperation on local, state, and national levels, and with those organizations in similar or related fields.

• To educate the public in regard to the principles and goals of the leisure service industry.

• To assist in the advancement of the leisure services, recreation and parks, and environmental conservation fields.

• To study legislation pertaining to the leisure services and further that legislation which is in the public’s best interest.

• To provide opportunities for professional growth of individuals employed in the leisure service industry.

• To develop a public awareness of the necessity of recreation as a vital part of life.

• To stimulate a widening interest in leisure services in local communities and statewide through conservation and development of leisure resources.

Executive Office StaffExecutive Director: Lisa MorahanDirector of Communications: Meaghan J. WilkinsBookkeeper: Meg Porto

Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising:Summer/Fall: May 1, 2016Winter/Spring: October 30, 2016

All members of NYSRPS receive The Voice, reduced registration rates to the NYSRPS Annual Conference and One Day Seminars, as well as discounts on the Continuing Education Unit Program. NYSRPS areas of involvement and service include Legislation, Workshops and Seminars, Conferences, Membership Publications, Continuing Education Units, Discount Ticket Program, and the Youth Sports Association. The information and articles contained within this publication are for your consideration and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NYSRPS.

NYSRPS reserves the right to approve all material in The Voice. All requests for articles, photos, and advertising should be made to the Director of Communications at 518.584.0321, ext. 12 or to [email protected]

The Voice is printed bi-annually. This is issue 1 of 2016.

This issue of The Voice was designed and produced by Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc., Minneapolis

New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc.Saratoga Spa State Park • 19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866www.nysrps.org

(518) 584-0321

President’s Message ...................................................................3

Executive Board, District and Area Affiliate Presidents and Committee Chairs ................................................................4

Executive Director’s Message .....................................................5

NYSRPS Regions, Districts & Affiliates ........................................6

NYSRPS Downstate Conference ...............................................7

Membership Renewal ..................................................................8

NYSRPS Spotlights .....................................................................9

Syracuse University Research Program ......................................... 10

Legislative Updates ..................................................................... 11

NYS Parks Corner ..................................................................... 12

Our Youth, Our Hope (OCFS) .................................................... 13

Successful Teen Programming in Central NY .......................... 14-15

2016 Conference Schedule and Sessions ................... 16-19

Awards and Recognition 2016 ............................................. 20-24

USTA Eastern Provides Opportunities ................................. 26-27

Wellness Parks for Seniors .................................................... 28-29

Commercial Membership Guide .......................................... 30-31

CONTENTS

2 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 3

President’s Message

It seems as if it was just yesterday that I sat down to compose my initial President’s

Message after taking office.

It seems as if it was just yesterday that I sat down to compose my initial President’s Message after taking office. But, as I jot these thoughts down in early January, my term as President is already more than halfway through. Time does seem to fly when you are engaged in something you enjoy, and being a part of the Executive Board of NYSRPS has been an extremely enjoyable experience.

As my term as President winds down, I look forward to remaining on the Board in the position of Past President. We have sometimes had a difficult time in finding qualified and willing candidates for the office of President, due to the three year time commitment it involves; you serve one year as President Elect, one year as President, and a final year as Past President. But in my mind, the benefits of the three year term far outweigh the negatives.

As President Elect, one has the opportunity to become familiar with the workings of the Executive Board and the Professional Staff, to learn the issues and challenges we are facing, and to begin to develop a series of goals and objectives for your term as President. This ‘warm up’ year allows you to really get a handle on how things are done, and to watch and learn as the sitting President moves their goals and objectives forward.

As President, you have the chance to pursue items which are important to you, as well as continuing those worthwhile goals which may have gone unfinished during the previous individual’s term.

Finally, as Past President, you can continue to shepherd your goals along, while assisting the new President in implementing their goals, and generally advising the Board on what you have observed and thought about over the past years.

All in all, a good system, one which works extremely well when you have committed individuals working together. We have had a great run over the past few years; during his term, Marty Denecke brought Gregg Goodman into the day to day workings of the Board; Gregg, in turn, got Tom Venniro involved early on in his term; Tom graciously ran so much of what he was working on past me. And I am endeavoring to continue this tradition, by having President Elect Jeff Myers

give me advice, and discuss my goals and objectives on a regular basis. In addition to his own goals, Jeff will incorporate some of our ongoing initiatives into his agenda.

NYSRPS will continue to work on providing a stable financial future for our society, and to increase funding for our Friends Foundation. We will investigate collaborations and opportunities to partner with appropriate organizations, when such partnerships make sense for both parties. Licensure of Recreation Therapists will be pursued as an important step forward for the entire Recreation Profession. Our Strategic Plan, which now has active committees working on implementing the Plan will keep moving forward. Our Annual Conference, and other opportunities for educational programs will continue to be a key component of our Society, and we will continue to develop and nurture our relationships with our Districts, Affiliates, and with NRPA.

All of these, important topics, many of which have been included in the goals and objectives of multiple Past Presidents. And that’s a good sign, it signals that there is continuity in the operation of our Society. Because, you see, as an old song goes, “people come, and people go”, but the institution remains. Whether or not it remains solid and stable is up to us. In my opinion, NYSRPS is in a great position to move into the future, because the quality of the people who choose to get involved is outstanding.

It has been a true privilege, and a joy, to have served a second term as President of NYSRPS. I have tried to fulfill the responsibilities of the position in a positive and professional manner. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a terrific Executive Board, all of whom have contributed good thoughts, ideas and actions to our work this year. And to top it off, they’ve laughed at almost all of my bad jokes and corny puns; what more could I have asked for?

Paul Blake NYSRPS Board President


EXECUTIVE BOARD

PresidentPaul Blake, American Pool Consultants2433 Marshall Drive.East Meadow, NY 11554Phone: 516-731-5516Email: [email protected] Expires 2016

President-ElectJeff Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks1350 Turk Hill Rd.Fairport, NY 14450585-223-5050jmyers@perinton.,orgTerm Expires 2016

Past PresidentTom Venniro, Town of Hilton-Parma Recreation59 Henry St.Hilton, NY 14468Phone: 585-392-9030Email: [email protected] Expires 2016

Vice President of Programs & ServicesBryon [email protected] Expires 2016

Vice President of Professional DevelopmentKristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department301 Brooklea DriveFayetteville, NY 13066Phone: 315-637-5188Email: [email protected] Term expires 2017

TreasurerNathan Nagle, Director of RecreationVillage of Horsehead202 S. Main St.Horsehead NY 14845Phone: 607-739-5691Email: [email protected] expires 2016

SecretaryJulie LaFave, Sullivan Parks and Recreation707 Legion DriveChittenango, NY 13037Phone: 315-687-3471Email: [email protected] expires 2017

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Region I RepresentativeArne Abramowicz82-56 214 StreetQueens Village, NY 11427347-635-0640Email: [email protected] expires 2017

Region I RepresentativeAnthony Martino301 E. Main StreetBay Shore NY 11706Brain Injury Unit631-968-3735Email: [email protected] Expires 2018

Region II RepresentativeVacant

Region II RepresentativeCarol QuinlivanCity of Binghamton Parks and Recreation38 Hawley StreetBinghamton, NY 13901Phone: 607-772-7017Email: [email protected] Expires 2016

Region III RepresentativeJosh HaeickVillage of Hamburg Parks and Recreation200 Prospect Ave.Hamburg, NY 14075Phone: 716-649-6170Email: [email protected] Expires 2017

Region III RepresentativeLinanne ConroyPenfield Parks and Recreation1985 Baird RoadPenfield, NY 14526Phone: 585-340-8655Email: [email protected] Expires 2016

Honorary RepresentativeDebra KevilleDirector, Regional Programs & ServicesNew York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic PreservationAlbany, NY 12238Phone: 518-474-8081Email: [email protected]

COMMITEE CHAIRS

Annual Conference Committee:Gail Lamberta, St. Josephs CollegeEd Fronckwicz, Garden City

Recognition and Awards Committee:Charry Lawson, Onondaga Parks and Recreation

Constitution and Bylaws Committee:Gregg Goodman, Gates Recreation and Parks Department

Vice President of Programs & Services:Bryon Bissonette, Plattsburgh , NY

Vice President of Professional Development:Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department

Nominations Committee:Tom Venniro, Hilton Parma Parks & Recreation

Personnel Committee:Tom Venniro, Paul Blake, Jeff Myers

Professional Ethics Committee: Charry Lawson, Onondaga Parks and Recreation

Past Presidents Committee: Tom Venniro, Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation

Strategic Planning Committee:

• Public Policy Development: Eric Bacon, Jeffrey Myers

• Membership Development: Joanne Coast

• Professional Development: Kristine Zingaro

• Public Awareness: Tom Venniro

• Resource Development: Julie LaFave

2016 Board Meeting Calendar

February 25, 2016 April 18, 2016 (Annual Meeting) May 19th, 2016

All are encouraged to attend! Approved minutes posted on www.nysrps.org.

NYSRPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Executive Director’s Message


Happy New Year, NYSRPS!

Celebrating the new year is a wonderful time for reflection. I reflect upon my youth when new years meant an exciting time to stay up late and ring bells at midnight through the street (without getting in trouble). My twenties and thirties seemed to be a time I reflected and regretted what I did not do the prior year and what I should have done better. Now in my 45th year I am finding myself still celebrating at midnight (with my 8 yr old boy), looking back not with regret but greater understanding of lessons learned and looking ahead with hopeful anticipation.

For NYSRPS 2015 was a year of cultivation – weeding, seeding programs and positioning people in place that I am most excited we may begin to reap the bounty of our harvest in 2016. The Strategic Plan, carefully crafted over four years has now secured committees and will be put into action. A hearty thank you to our Strategic Plan’s chairs who have made a commitment to NYSRPS to lead the charge: Joanne Coast for membership development, Thomas Venniro for public awareness, Eric Bacon and Jeffrey Myers for Public Policy Development, and Kristine Zingaro & Julie LaFave for Professional /Resource Development. I am as pleased to report a brand new Ambassador Program that was recently launched the end of 2015. The purpose of which is to employ the use of our dedicated members ‘boots on the ground’ across New York to reach, recruit, and retain park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals to grow NYSRPS.

Professional ties with our affiliated organizations have also

experienced a time of growth. NYSRPS board voted to support the legislative efforts for licensure by our therapeutic sector and will continue to help them in their quest during 2016. Another successful Downstate Conference with METRO, WRAPS, LILSA, HVLSA and NYSTRA was enjoyed and earned approximately $9,000, yielding each approximately $1,500 from this terrific one-day conference. I look forward to working cooperatively in 2016 with both our districts and affiliate organizations alike. It is my great hope to provide support in all ways possible to strengthen all our professionals across New York, regardless of how we are associated. I am a firm believer the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and will work hard each day to help all our park and recreation professionals through NYSRPS’ programs and services.

In closing I would like to especially thank Gail Lamberta and Ed Fronckwicz for all their hard work in leading this year’s NYSRPS 76th Annual Conference and Expo. In the pages ahead you will see the very strong program they have collectively put together with the conference’s 20+ committee – special thanks to Jack Fass and Elena Geonie. Hats off to LILSA for their efforts and truly assembling a 3-day conference that embodies our hope to unify our strengths. Looking forward to seeing you all in April in Hauppaugue, NY as we “Come Together, Right Now!”

Lisa Morahan NYSRPS Executive Director

Reach Hundreds of Park & Recreation ProfessionalsAdvertise in the NEW Voice!Rates start as low as $275 per issue

Summer/Fall Issue Contents: Buyer’s Guide • Senior Focus • ADA Ad deadline: April 22, 2016 • Mails: June 2016

To purchase ad space contact: Todd Pernsteiner

[email protected] or (952) 841-1111


NYSRPS REGIONS, DISTRICTS AND AFFILIATES

NYSRPS Regions, Districts and Affiliates New York State is divided into 3 regions (per bylaws) with the intent to provide full representation of park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across NY State on the NYSRPS Board. two representatives from each region is asked to serve from each region, each for three-year terms. Regional representatives’ terms are staggered in an effort to ensure each region is represented at all times.

Regions:Region 1 – Hudson Valley, Long Island, Metro, and Westchester

Region 2 – Central NY, Capital Region, Adirondack-Lake Champlain

Region 3 – Genesee Valley & Niagara Frontier

Districts and the counties they service:Central New York – Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga, Tompkins

Genesee Valley – Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates

Capital Region – Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneonta, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington

Affiliates:

GVRPS Annual Conference & Awards Luncheon Ogden Community Center - November 2015Front Row: Alix Davidson, Town of Pittsford; Megan Patridge, Town of Pittsford; Christine Winter, Town of Victor; Stacie Paris, Town of Gates; Jeff Ackerman, Town of Perinton; Bill Reilich, Town of Greece; Pete O’Brien, Town of Greece; Kim Vogler, Town of Gates. Second Row: Janelle Drach, City of Geneva; Kelly Bartell, Town of Parma; Ryan Rockefeller, Town of Parma; Tom Venniro, Town of Parma; Jesse Hollenbeck, Town of Pittsford; Matt Steffen, Town of Perinton; Anke Applebaum, Town of Hamlin; Diana Weber, Town of Perinton; Carl Diliberto, City of Rochester. Back Row: Nelson Carman, Jr. Volunteer Town of Penfield; Jeff Dunham, Volunteer City of Geneva

The following fellow associations also represent park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals and work collaboratively with NYSRPS on programs and events: Metropolitan Recreation and Park Society, Westchester Recreation and Park Society, Long Island Leisure Services Association, Hudson Valley Leisure Service Association, and Niagara Frontier.

On Tuesday November 17, approximately 250 park, recreation and therapeutic professionals (including commercial representatives) gathered for the annual downstate day of professional development and networking. This group effort was thanks to several affiliated organizations in New York State: LILSA, METRO, WRAPS, HVLSA, NYSTRA and NYSRPS. Twenty-eight vendors supported the event and we are so grateful for their participation, without which the event could not be possible. Each affiliate enjoyed earning approximately $1,500 for their respective organizations. A very special thank you to our many speakers who truly created a most informative program. Thank you Latina Ferrer, conference chair from NYSTRA for leading this wonderful event and we look forward to the 22nd Annual Downstate Conference to be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

Please be sure to support the following businesses that support the park, recreation and therapeutic recreation community.

• Action Enterprises, Inc • American Recreational Products• Amilia • Animal Embassy• Club Getaway • Commercial Clearwater • CommunityPass Company, Inc.• Copeland Coating Company, Inc. • Core Elements Gym• DESCHAMPS MATS SYSTEM • EASI-SET Bldgs - • EDS Presentations Oldcastle Precast• Flaghouse • Funtime Amusements Inc• Go Ape Treetop Adventures • KOMPAN Playgrounds• LILSA • Liturgical Publications Inc.• Musco Sports Lighting • NDS Inc• NYS Recreation Therapy • NYSRPS Licensure Committee • Play Power Little Tikes Commercial• Playground Medic • RSC Westchester• Sound on the Run • Special Citizens Futures • US Games/BSN Sports Unlimited, Inc.• US Sports Institute • Velvetop Products


NYSRPS DOWNSTATE CONFERENCE

The 21st Annual Downstate Conference Celebrated November 17, 2015 - a Terrific Success!

Downstate Committee RepresentativesLeft to right: Lisa Goldberg, George Amitrano, Kyle Peterson, Kevin Cook, Steve Olsen, Kim O’Brien and Lisa Morahan

Downstate Conference Attendees

Left to right: Ike Kuzio (City of Rye), Brian Gray (Town of Yorktown), Kevin Cook (Westchester County), Matt Arone (Village of Dobbs Ferry), Todd Orlowski (Town of Yorktown), Jim Martorano (Town of Mt Pleasant)

Save the date for the 22nd Annual Downstate Conference, Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

Membership Matters!

Renewal time is here! NYSRPS offers membership for two billing cycles (January through December and August through July). All members have been transitioned and those on a January-December billing cycle have been recently invoiced. Please RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP today if you have not done so.

RENEW/JOIN ONLINE! All renewals are done online by visiting www.nysrps.org and simply visiting the Membership Rates and Networks tab.

You may select “PAY BY CREDIT CARD” or “PAY BY CHECK” if you intend to send in a check or PO. All updates to your roster may be made during your renewal registration.

Thank you so very much for your support!

NYSRPS members receive the following benefit opportunities:

• Annual Conference and Business Expo• Conferences and Education• Continuing Education Credits• Networking• Awards and Recognition• Legislative Advocacy• Employment• Publications• Resource Center• Products and Services

NYSRPS MEMBERSHIP PROFILE

Who makes up NYSRPS? The New York State Recreation and Park Society is the leading membership organization for park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across New York State. Below is a depiction of our membership categories.

Active Retire 13 3%

Large Agency Head 6 1%

Large Agency Staff 65 13%

Lifetime 39 8%

New Friend 1 0%

Part Time 4 1%

Professional 105 20%

Small Agency Head 53 10%

Small Agency Staff 202 39%

Students 7 1%

Large Student Chapter Faculty 8 2%

Large Student Chapter Students 16 3%

Commercial 83

Total NYSRPS Members 602

NYSRPS seeks to grow by 10% annually as part of our Strategic Plan. If you currently are a professional member and work at an agency that may consider joining as an agency- please encourage them to do so. A small agency covers a total of 5 people and large agency 10. Increasing to either of these would greatly help grow our membership roster and certainly help us reach that goal.

And this is what NYSRPS is saying... According to 2015 surveys*…

• Over half our agencies have baseball fields, community centers, senior centers, playgrounds, soccer fields and tennis courts

• The vast majority (71%) have less than 10,000 acres to maintain

•Senior programs, afterschool /summer camps, fitness & wellness and sports top the programs offered.

• 58% are also NRPA members

• Benefits enjoyed the most are communications, newsletter and conferences offered.

• NYSRPS rated a 4 out of a possible 5 for overall member satisfaction

*Results based on 77 survey respondents




I was lucky enough to fall in love with Recreation early in my college career at Central Michigan University (Fire up Chips!). Once I chose that career path, my drive and determination kicked in and I made it a personal goal to explore both the field and the country in my 20s before I

had to settle down and concentrate on “adult” things like parenting, pensions, retirement savings, etc. For one summer, I moved to Alaska to work with charter fishing boats as they prepared for and cleaned up after daily trips. From there my college internship took me to Idaho where I worked the whole gamut of outdoor recreation activities on an Air Force base. Immediately upon graduation, I moved around and worked in the Recreation field in Colorado and North Dakota before landing in New York.

Since coming to New York, my career has been solely focused in Community Recreation with 2 municipalities – Cicero and Sullivan. I’ve also found a love of fundraising and organizing special events

with two charities. With the most talented people around, we organize outstanding fundraising events like the Gus Macker basketball tournament, spaghetti dinners, gift wrapping, New Year’s Eve parties at a historical mansion… and anything else we can dream up.

Outside of working and volunteering, I am the proud mother to an extremely active and spunky four year old named Walden. On weekends we explore festivals, parks, playgrounds and anywhere else the road takes us. I can already see my love of “all things recreation” rubbing off on him! When it’s just me (rare!), I enjoy hiking/snowshoeing, sampling craft beers, watching football (Detroit Lions and Central Michigan!) and going on impromptu adventures. I seem to have issues sitting still (which might be where my son gets it from!).

I am looking forward to becoming more involved with NYSRPS as the new Secretary, while we work together to help this great profession grow and stay current with all the new trends popping up every day. I truly believe we have the best job providing recreation and leisure services to all ages and abilities. I also know we are the reason people know it is possible to love what you do.

Katelyn Swantak, senior at SUNY Brockport, is the recipient of the 2015 Friends Foundation Scholarship. Growing up on a dairy farm in Davenport, NY she enrolled full time at SUNY in the fall of 2012. There were three factors that initially steered her into a Recreation major : “1. I love working with people as a team to accomplish a goal. 2. I enjoy planning and executing events and activities. 3. I only feel accomplished when guests are pleased.”

Katelyn credits the “enthusiastic professors” who are dedicated to helping their students learn. “Their enthusiasm towards the recreation industry has served as additional motivation for continuous learning.”

This past summer Katelyn interned six days a week at the Lakeview Events Center in West Laurens, New York. Event planning and running for weekend events, social media and networking with local businesses were just a few of her duties. at this popular location

Honored to be chosen as the 2015-2016 recipient of the Friends Foundation Scholarship, Katelyn has used her scholarship to pay for her summer internship class at Brockport.

NYSRPS SPOTLIGHTS: JULIE LA FAVE / KATELYN SWANTAK

Meet Julie La Fave Director of Sullivan Parks and Recreation NYSRPS’ 2015-16 Outstanding Service Award Recipient

Meet Katelyn Swantak 2015-2016 Friends Foundation Scholarship Recipient The Friends Foundation is currently seeking nominations! Please visit www.nysrps.org for scholarship eligibility and application.


SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROGRAM

In mid November 2015, NYSRPS was approached by Syracuse University regarding an outreach program that provides students to do important research and analysis for an organization’s needs. The idea is “From the Campus to the Community” by which a student intern is assigned for up to 100 hours of work, not for pay but academic credit in a specially designed University course.

William D. Coplin, Ph.D. Professor of Public Affairs and the Director of the Public Affairs Program of the Maxwell School in Syracuse University considered a proposal submitted by NYSRPS to measure the socio-economic benefit park and recreation departments have in communities across New York State and decided the project met the criteria which would “require the analysis of data through bar graphs and other quantitative displays,“ The proposal was indeed accepted and on January 22, 2016 the newly assigned intern Shane Patrick Salanger and NYSRPS Director

Lisa Morahan met to review the survey questions, method of administering with timeline.

NRPA has released recent surveys similar in nature measuring the positive impact parks and recreation have upon local economies. While these surveys are wonderful testimonies, they are national in nature and give statewide reporting. NYSRPS is hoping to take it one step further with the Maxwell School survey and on a region-by-region basis be able to quantifiably measure the socio-economic benefits – direct, indirect and derived.

As always a survey is only as good as the participation it receives. We are specifically sending this survey to departments that are likely to respond and that have the ability to answer with relative ease nine fairly simple questions using the year 2015 as the referenced year.

By using data from outside sources like the US Census & CDC coupled with the survey results, NYSRPS hopes to glean critical information that would substantiate public awareness, legislative advocacy, and grant/fund securing campaigns. Please be advised your department may be reached and your participation is critical. A sample total of at least 150 participants covering all regions (Adirondack, Central, Genesee Valley, Niagara, Capital, Long Island, Westchester, Hudson Valley and Metropolitan) is the goal.

NYSRPS thanks you in advance for your participation and at the end of the project will provide all NYSRPS members with survey findings.

.

NYSRPS Chosen for Community Links Program by Syracuse University

DO YOU KNOW?• How many total park acres do you have to maintain?

- Active Recreation - Open Space - Trails (miles)

• How much was your operating budget?

• How much did you spend on capital projects?

• What was your total revenue earned by programs offered? - Community Center Programs - Rentals - Camp Programs - Donations - Misc.

• How many employees did you have? - Full time (regularly scheduled 35+ hrs year round) - Part-time (regularly scheduled less than 35 hrs year-round - Summer Only Full-Time - Summer Only Part Time

• What was the total number of children served by the following programs: - After School - Summer Recreation - Community Center

• Total number registered in system for year: - Residents - Non-Residents

• What services for seniors do you offer and the approximate number of seniors served by each? - Outings - Fitness Programs - Community Center Programs

• Do you offer public services and how many people were served? - Food Pantry - Blood Drive - Christmas Stocking - Prevention programs - Meals (lunch) - Share a public library onsite

THE SURVEY

NYSRPS Board deliberated and decided to use this opportunity to survey park and recreation departments (members and non-members alike) to measure the socio-economic benefits they have upon their respective communities.

Intern Shane Patrick Salanger


NYSRPS LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

The New York State Recreation and Park Society Inc. advocates for you, our membersip. It is our goal to act as one voice for our park and recreation professionals and speak to the concerns that directly and indirectly impact your ability to serve effectively in your communities. To share local, state or national issues that you would like to see addressed, please contact our Public Affairs Committee.

NYSRPS Public Affairs Representatives:

President Elect - Jeffrey Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks 585-223-5050 [email protected]

Eric Bacon, Town of Camillus 315-487-3600 [email protected]

Around the Nation...From Our Legislative Committee With special thanks to Rich Rose, Orange County Parks, Recreation & Conservation for providing the latest updates from Capitol Hill to our Legislative Committee (Eric Bacon and Jeff Myers)

Advocacy paid off as Congress passed two comprehensive re-authorization bills that positively impact parks and recreation. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aka No Child Left Behind, was reauthorized for five years as the Every Student Succeeds Act. For the first time ever, environmental education is included as a fundable subject in the federal K-12 federal education bill. Under the Title IV 21st Century Community Learning Centers, parks and recreation agencies are eligible partners with public schools to provide environmental education inside the school room and field-based activities conducted in outdoor classrooms, e.g. parks. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers competitive grants will also support physical physical fitness/nutrition programs, which can be provided through a school and park agency partnership.

The federal surface transportation law (Highway Bill) was reauthorized for five years as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST). Biking and walking is again recognized as an integral part of America’s 21st Century multi-modal transportation system in the new law. The Transportation Alternatives Program, including Recreational Trails Program, Rails-to-Trails and Safe Routes to School (and parks), support an expanding multi-use trail systems for non-motorized transportation, and sidewalks to provide children a safe, healthy route to and from schools and in many cases parks and recreation centers. Priorities for funding transportation infrastructure projects has been largely deferred to State Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

NRPA Public Policy team led a campaign that included NRPA and Academy members in advocating for a fully, permanently and equitably funded LWCF Act. The advocacy has paid dividends for state and local parks. This week Congress passed an Omnibus Spending Bill, including a three-year reauthorization of the current LWCF Act. Work will continue to achieve a long term LWCF Act re-authorization. For FY 2016, LWCF has been allocated more than double the $48 million that the State Assistance program received in FY 2015. It should be noted that authorized spending is still subject to the annual appropriations process at the discretion of Congress. This is progress.

LWCF State Assistance (for fiscal year ending September 30, 2016)

State Assistance (formula grants) ...................$94.8 million Grants to Urban Areas (competitive) ................. $12 million Administration .............................................. $3.1 million Total State Assistance: .................................... $110 million

Here is a summary posted in NRPA’s blog: http://www.nrpa.org/blog/a-win-for-lwcf-and-more-in-the-congressional-spending-package

NY State Information For NY State specific information regarding LWCF as well as to see a listing of representatives who lent support please visit; http://www.lwcfcoalition.org/new-york.html

NYSRPS Legislation

NYSRPS is continually looking to protect and serve the needs of our fellow park and recreation professionals. If you would like to lend support to the Legislative Committee by collecting information and sharing specific needs in your community, please contact the Legislative Committee.


What do Ganondagan’s new Art & Culture Center, Buffalo Harbor’s nautical-themed playground, and Tai Chi have in common? All are recent efforts by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation to connect visitors of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to actively utilize our state’s wonderful cultural and natural resources. Connecting people with parks is a leading priority of NY Parks 2020, a seven-point vision supported by Governor Cuomo’s multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to transform the state park system. We are investing in iconic New York destinations Niagara Falls and Jones Beach; enhancing Letchworth State Park, recently voted America’s Best State Park, with a four-season Nature Center; and improving facilities and amenities statewide to teach new skills and attract a new generation of park users. This mission is integral to everything we do.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, youth spend an average of seven hours a day in front of electronic devices. But, we firmly believe the power of whimsical, imaginative play is not lost. Under the Parks 2020 Plan, 100 playgrounds will be built or improved in parks statewide. 47 have been completed since 2011, with $2.5 million allocated this year alone for new structures at parks on Long Island, the Capital Region, Central New York, Western New York, and the Thousand Islands. Thanks to this initiative, these playgrounds are now destinations, with themes, features for varying age groups, and a range of climbers, spinners, slides and more.

Our free Learn-to-Swim program is a testament to what can be achieved both with the expansion of access to recreation and to meet the needs of underserved areas. It began in 2013 at two State Parks in New York City, teaching 500+ children to swim for free, and each year, has utilized the partnership with American Red Cross, the National Swimming Pool Foundation, and the State Department of Health to reach children who may not otherwise learn the healthy, fun activity of swimming. The program expanded to five parks in 2014, 15 in 2015, and the partnership will support the expansion of the program again in 2016 to 30 parks across the state, aiming to reach 20,000 children over the next three years. Knowing how to swim is

a lifelong, necessary skill, and providing free swimming lessons effectively increases those who can use our parks safely with training and knowledge of how to prevent accidents. This year, an adult learn-to-swim class was included, acknowledging the need in urban areas often extends beyond youth.

We partnered again with the State Department of Health to provide Tai Chi classes to New Yorkers age 65 and older. As an exercise program, Tai-Chi is gentle, slow-moving, safe for older generations, and easy to learn. Through a federal grant, park staff and partners in various areas of the state were trained as instructors to conduct classes focused on preventing falls and accidents, supported by movements to improve balance and muscle strength, increase heart/lung activity, align posture, improve flexibility, and integrate the mind and body. This effectively expanded programming in facilities to a population that is expected to grow by 40 percent over the next two decades and also implemented new programming to attract new patrons to our parks.

Year-round, our parks host kid-friendly guided hikes, nature programming, and more. Still, we are always looking for new ways to encourage families to explore and learn together, making life-long memories and a bond with the outdoors that can be passed down from generation to generation. In 2015, we hosted more than 2,000 visitors on New Year’s Day for the fourth annual First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative to encourage families to experience the quiet beauty of nature in a season they may not have previously associated with spending time outdoors. Additionally, State Parks has joined with the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for the past three years to utilize grant support from The North Face’s Explore Your Parks™ Program. In 2013 and 2014, State Parks and OCFS provided more than 100 New York State foster families with gift cards for a free two-night stay at any State Park campground. Participating families also received “new camper packages” with guides, activities, and tips to make the most of their stay. This year, we teamed up again to give 150 New York foster families an Empire Passport, a vehicle pass for unlimited entry to New York’s state parks and recreational

facilities, enabling the families to enjoy 180 state parks and 55 forest preserves free of charge for the 2015-16 season. Such partnerships allow for us to reach new demographics, such as foster children, who face varying degrees of transition in their lives and may not yet have experienced the calm that spending time outside so helpfully instills.

It’s true, state parks are great places for people to disconnect from their phones and other tech gear, but it is also important to appreciate the role technology can play in deepening the connection we so strive for. Last year we partnered with Avenza Systems, Inc. to provide free PDF maps of trails in more than 50 New York state parks and historic sites through Avenza’s free app for mobile devices. Additionally, 2015 saw the launch of online boating safety courses. The safety certificate legally mandated for those born after 1996 to operate a motorboat was previously only obtainable through an in-classroom course for a fee. Now, the courses are offered online, accessible through our website, and can be completed at the individual’s convenience and in the case of one provider – for free. This new step will only increase the number of people looking to utilize our state’s spectacular water recreation who can access the necessary safety knowledge easily.

Our mission is one that will never be finished. We shepherd in our next generation of environmental stewards by supporting youth outreach and participation at “I Love My Park Day,” a statewide volunteer event to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites; by growing the FORCES program to engage college-aged youth in stewardship programs and to lead nature education programs for youth in parks; and supporting the fulfillment of Governor Cuomo’s vision of the Excelsior Conservation Corps, a dedicated workforce to address the environmental needs of New York while providing an avenue for employment training and college scholarships to participants of the program. Through these measures, partnerships, initiatives, programs, and even through technology, we continue to work to make our natural resources accessible to all, and to leave them in good hands.

By State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey

Parks for All

NEW YORK STATE PARKS CORNER


Bounding over a bed of wood chips, 2-year-old Kaeden Ash chases down a soccer ball in the backyard of Eco Bay Day Care in Downtown Troy. He scrunches his face into a little boy smile, splashed by golden sunlight and nipped by the crisp October air.

Kaeden was the first child through the door when Eco Baby opened in 2013. His mom, Andrea Uvanni, chose this day care center because it emphasizes physical activity and social development.

There are no televisions here.

“We walked into other places and saw kids sitting in front of the TV,” Uvanni said. “I said, ‘No thanks.’”

Eco Baby serves 20 children between six weeks and three years of age, with 50 more on the waiting list. Owner Robyn Scotland prides herself on offering all-natural food and vigorous playtime, with no movies or TV shows.

“I think kids get more social engagement with each other and better gross motor development when they’re outside,” Scotland said. “It’s about giving them the healthiest start we possibly can.”

A Healthy Beginning

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requires child care providers to offer an age-appropriate program of physical activity. Now, the agency is going even further to promote a healthy beginning.

A new OCFS regulation prohibits television for infants in day care centers, and limits screen time for toddlers and older children.

“If television or other electronic visual media is used, it must be part of a planned, developmentally-appropriate program with an educational, social, physical or other learning objective that includes identified goals and objectives,” the new regulation states. “Television and other electronic visual media must not be used solely to occupy time.”

For instance, a cartoon that teaches children how to be a good

friend, exercise, or speak a new language might be acceptable; one that has characters chasing and hitting each other is not.

Regardless of the program, the television must be turned off during meals, nap times, and when it’s not part of a planned activity.

“Just turning the television off makes kids move,” said Kathleen Pickel, Manager of the OCFS Division of Child Care Services (DCCS) Regional Office Support Unit. “Research shows that children who are moving and more active are physically healthier. Reducing screen time also allows them to be more creative, and it increases social interaction.”

A Bright Future

The new screen time regulation, coupled with stricter requirements for nutritious snacks and beverages, is part of a multi-agency push to curb childhood obesity and put children on a path to a bright future.

The changes took effect for family day care homes statewide in May 2014, followed by day care centers in Upstate New York and Long Island in June 2015. (Day care centers in the five boroughs are regulated by New York City, not OCFS.)

School-age child care programs, such as after-school programs, are also subject to the changes.

“Given the current challenges of dealing with childhood obesity, these regulatory changes will help to support healthier children in New York State, while serving to promote positive healthy behaviors at a young age,” said Jim Hart, DCCS Director of Regional Operations.

As for little Kaeden Ash, each day brings new adventures in the backyard at Eco Baby. In the summer, he enjoyed dashing through the sprinkler. Soon, he will trundle through the snow.

What matters is that he’s moving.

“Kids have an imagination,” his mom said. “I think too many people have suppressed that by plopping kids in front of a TV.”

New State Regulations Limit TV Time, Encourage Day Care Children to Get Outside and Play

OUR YOUTH, OUR HOPE – OCFS

An African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The creation of CanTeen teen center in Central NY proves this adage. Started in 1986, the CanTeen’s mission is to “Provide opportunities to fulfill ones full potential without discrimination, in a safe environment by encouraging youth to make positive life decisions”.

Having gone through many changes in location, programming and support over the ensuing years, in 2011 funds were secured to renovate a home adjacent to the local high school. Volunteers from the community, businesses partners and members of the local Buildings and Construction Trades Union volunteered their time and efforts to build the Canteen a permanent home. In the spring of 2012, the CanTeen welcomed the teens home with open arms.

To maintain important connections to the community, The Youth Board has six key

partners: Towns of Clay, Cicero, Salina, and the Village of North Syracuse, the North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) and the Friends of the CanTeen group. NSCSD is a major contributing partner by providing transportation from the NS Junior High School five days a week to the CanTeen facility, an essential component to the functioning of this program. The Friends group provides the impetus for fundraising events, activities and a means to accept donations from the community. Combined, each partner provide the foundation for the community’s investment in our youth.

The Town of Cicero, as the lead agency, administers the financial oversight for expenditures and revenues as well as administrative duties, personnel management, grant writing and reporting, the Friends of the CanTeen facilitates the fundraising. Under the direction of the teens that frequent the facility, this

collaboration provides the community with a steady stream of funding while meeting the standard regulations through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. These partners work together in concert to provide, channel, and implement programming and the funds needed to support it.

The CanTeen program is the focal point by which all of their services originate. It is a youth lead program with adult guidance based on positive, proven Youth Development principals and best practices with a focus on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. The drop-in center, which serves teens in 8th to 12 grade, is open year round with hours of operation based on the time of the year. Programs and activities are designed and implemented by the youth that attend, facilitated by the Youth Council that meets weekly. Professional staff conveys an atmosphere that fosters opportunities for


Successful Teen Programing in Central New York“It’s not a program, it’s a relationship” Toni Brauchle- Youth Service Coordinator, Cicero

teens to interact with their peers, provide homework assistance, leadership experiences, and service learning in a safe, supervised, illegal substance-free environment.

In an effort to provide services not normally within the reach of youth and families in the north area, CanTeen provides space for health and human services organizations. These agencies include; the New York State Health Departments; the Salvation Army, for youth experiencing homelessness; the Prevention Network; Reach CNY; and Contact Community Services whose ability to provide prevention services and staffing enable the center to function at full capacity.

Teens are not an easy population to provide recreational programming for. By engaging the teens as equal partners in the decision making process, they are better able to express their preferences and interests. Encouraging teens to disconnect from their attachment to social media and video games and avail themselves to options that entice them to explore their world and move them out of their seats is the challenge. Left to their own devices during the afternoon, when homes are free of adult supervision, teens can be vulnerable to making unhealthy decisions that may have life long consequences. The resurgence of heroin and synthetic drugs, as well as the abundance of alcohol and marijuana has reinforced the need for healthy options for teens during out of school time.

Having a safe, supportive place to interact with their peers and build solid relationships with adults that can be positive role models can help teens to steer away from the everyday barrage of negative choices. The CanTeen strives to provide those enticements each and every day. The slogan, “It’s not a program, it’s a relationship” keeps us moving forward.

CanTeen 6046 State Route 31, Cicero, NY 13039 Phone Number: 315-699-1391

Essential components for creating an active teen program:

• YOUTH VOICE (absolutely critical)

• FOOD (even adults would agree!)

• STAFFING CHOSEN BY THE PARTICIPANTS (they have great radar!)

• COMMUNITY PARTNERS (We all need to be invited to the table in order for the discussion to have merit)

• A 501 C 3 FUNDRAISING ENTITY TO PARTNER WITH STATE & LOCAL FUNDS (in order to accept donations and raise community dollars)

• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION (can’t be out in the middle of nowhere!)



Welcome to the NYSRPS 76th Annual Conference and Business Expo. We are excited to serve as your hosts for this year’s event and welcome all of you to Long Island. This year’s theme, “Come Together Right Now,” provides the foundation for renewing our commitment to becoming a more unified profession rooted in providing our communities with quality programs and services. To this end, the Conference Committee has worked hard to create a program that will meet the needs of a diverse profession and include cutting-edge educational sessions that target areas such as parks, administration, innovative programming, and therapeutic recreation. Our exhibit hall will showcase the most current and innovative products, appropriate for all populations.

Long Island is rich in history and culture, and is home to many nationally recognized venues and unique facilities. With this in mind, the Conference Committee has included several off-site programs that will provide our delegates with an opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals and receive an in-depth overview of their facilities, programs and services.

As you will see in our program brochure, this year’s social will be held at the LI Aquarium in Riverhead. The social will include

time for networking and visiting with friends, as well as tours of the facility, and of course some fun activities for all to enjoy! Our student social will be held at Dave & Busters, and will be led by St. Joseph’s College, NY students, who are very excited and look forward to meeting students from other New York State Colleges.

Of course planning an annual statewide conference involves a major commitment from volunteers within our profession. Our Long Island professionals have worked very hard to ensure the 2016 conference will provide all delegates with an educational and memorable experience. If you see any of our committee members, please be sure to introduce yourself, and it would also be a welcoming gesture to thank them for their service.

In closing, we would like to welcome you to Long Island, and hope you enjoy your stay and participation in this year’s annual conference.

Come Together Right Now!

Your Conference Co-Chairs, Ed Fronckwicz and Gail Lamberta

Front row (l to r): Tom McGerty, Adrienne Haemmerle, Diane Ramos, Robin Wexler, Gail Lamberta, Lisa Goldberg, Anthony Martino

Back row (l to r): Ed Fronckwicz, Jack Fass, Kate Schneider, Paul Blake

HYATT REGENCY LONG ISLAND AT WINDWATCH GOLF CLUB - HAUPPAUGUE, NY

2016 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE


SUNDAY APRIL 17

7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fab Four Golf Classic

11:00 a.m. Registration Begins

1:00 - 5:30 p.m. Exhibitors Set Up

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Sessions

2:15-3:15 p.m. 3 rooms for sessions. 3 rooms for Districts/ Affiliates/Executive Board meetings. Light refreshments in each room provided by districts/affiliates.

3:30-4:15 p.m. KEYNOTE by Barbara Tulipane, NRPA (SALONS A, B & C) Sponsored by: Landscape Structures

4:15 - 4:45 p.m. Check-In Hotel / Refresh for Dinner and Awards

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony - TERRACE

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Grand Exhibit Hall Opening Cocktails & light refreshments

7:00 p.m. Dinner/ Beatles Social / Cash Bar

MONDAY, APRIL 18

7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast VENDOR HALL Sponsored by: BSN Sports

*On own to Terrace for hotel breakfast.

8:15 - 9:15 a.m. Sessions

8:30 a.m. - 11:30am Offsite VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

8:30-1:30 p.m. Offsite SAGAMORE HILL

9:30-10:30 a.m. Sessions

10:45-11:45 a.m. Exhibit Hall

11:30-1:30 p.m. Rolling Lunch

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Sessions

1:00-2:00 p.m. Great Raffle Giveaway Final Vendor Hour

2:00-5:30 p.m. Sessions

6:00 p.m. Student Social DAVE & BUSTERS

6:00 p.m. Social with food LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast VENDOR HALL

*On own to Terrace for hotel breakfast.

8:15 - 9:15 a.m. Sessions

8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Offsite PAL-O-MINE EQUESTRIAN CENTER

8:30 - 1:30 p.m. Offsite UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Sessions

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Sessions

12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Rolling Lunch

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Sessions

12:30 - 1:30pm NYSRPS Annual Meeting TERRACE



º

Monday 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport

Monday 8:30 - 1:30 p.m. Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay

Tuesday 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Pal-O-Mine Equine Assisted Learning Center, Islandia

Tuesday 8:30 - 1:30 p.m. United States Tennis Center, Flushing

Sunday, April 17 - 6 p.m. Beatles Party with Dinner Monday, April 18 - 6:30 p.m. Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead Monday, April 18 - 6 p.m. Student Social, Dave & Busters

*Proposed session schedule subject to change.

HYATT REGENCY LONG ISLAND AT WINDWATCH GOLF CLUB - HAUPPAUGUE, NY


1. Community Gardening in Your Park M

2. Public Gardens M

3. Creating Good Flyer Design B

4. Character Education through Creative Recreation: A Back2BasicPlay Initiative – M

5. Movies on the Lawn Program M

6. Growing a Park System through Cooperative Partnerships – Town of Huntington as a Model M

7. Mighty Milers: Start a Youth Running Program M

8. How to Plan or Enhance Your Annual Field Day M

9. Building Relationships with Elected Officials B

10. Breaking the Barrier: Civil Service and Labor Relations M

11. Security Concerns for Large Scale Events M

12. Protecting the Natural Resources of Parks- Balancing Resource Protection with Large Recreation Events/Environmental Education as a Management Tool M

13. Using Universal Design in Parks – New York State Parks - Long Island Region M

14. How to Increase Funding & Support Through Friends Groups M

15. Risk Management M

16. Practical Turf Grass Cultivation & Fertilization Practices M

17. Fire Island National Seashore: Managing a Dynamic Landscape in the 21st Century M

18. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site – Offsite B

19. Putting Art in the Park: Cooperative Approaches to Public Art M

20. Enhancing Recreational Programming Utilizing Positive Youth Development B

21. Trends in Municipal Golf M

22. Lets’ Include Everyone! Strategies on How to Include People with Developmental Disabilities in all Programs

B

23. Equine Assisted Learning – off site B

24. Accessing Inner Wisdom: Tools and Resources for Resiliency TR

25. Fall Prevention TR

26. Building Productive Relationships through Eclectic Creative Cooperation Models – TR An American Red Cross Aquatics Update M

27. Children’s Camp Injury and Illness Prevention M

28. Teaching a Miracle: Integrating Special Education Practices into a Medical Model of Recovery TR

29. Uniting our Strengths B

30. Citizen-Based Science as a Tool for Working Together M

31. New Games: The Foundation of Cooperative & Non-Competitive Play & Games B

32. Designing Performance Based Playground Safety Surfacing Specifications

M

33. Concussion: The Fundamental Basic Truths of It TR

34. The Anatomy of a Healthcare Interview TR

35. Project C.A.R.E. – Self Esteem & Teambuilding TR

36. The Use of Mindfulness in Recovery from Mental Illness TR

37. Patients Choice Programming TR

38. The Evolution of Recreation Therapy in Outpatient Mental Health TR

39. Comfort Rooms: A safe Therapeutic Environment that Fosters Healing TR

40. Licensure for Therapeutic Recreation TR

41. Leisure Education – Lorraine & Students from St. Joe’s TR

42. The Choices We Make: Drugs & Society Today B

43. Using Adaptive Golf as a Therapeutic Recreation Intervention – TR

44. Adaptive Cycling, Kayaking, and Archery – offsite B

45. Veteran’s Music Access Course TR

46. Best Practices: Volunteer Resources Management TR

47. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease TR

48. Generating Revenue Through Grants B

49. Social Media and You B

50. Growing Tennis Participation with the United States Tennis Association M on site*

51. Risk Management for Public Recreation Programs M

52. Food Concessions: What are the Expectations from the Vendor and the Municipality M

53. Adaptive Chair Yoga for People with Limited Mobility TR

54. Recreation Supporting TBI Patients in Community Re-Integration TR

55. Recreation Music Making: Unlock the Benefits of group Drumming TR

56. Transformational Health Care Management of Traumatized Individuals: Integrating Effective Holistic Treatment Options through the Practice of Therapeutic Touch TR

57. Pool Health Codes Facts vs. Fiction M

KEY: M Municipal / TR Therapeutic Recreation / B Both

More than 75 sessions for park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals planned!


58. Add 16 Years to the Year of Birth - The Baby Boomers and Beyond: The Importance of Research for Quality TR Programming TR

59. Navigating the Internship Process TR

60. Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Planning, Funding, and Development M

61. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Parks will be a Lifesaver M

62. Mandala-cise TR

63. Preparing for a Quality Indicator Survey in Long term Care Settings TR

64. Spirituality & Healing TR

65. USTA Tennis Center Tour – offsite

66. Developing Reasonable, Practical, and Defensible Tree Risk Management Programs for Park Systems M

67. Transforming Lives – Living Healthier M

68. Fun and Educational games for Your Summer Camp M

69. Offering Strength Training at Your Parks and Trails M

70. Successful Job Search Strategies B

71. Water Warrior B

72. American Red Cross Aquatics Update M

73. Come Together: Best practices for Including Youth of all Abilities in Recreation Programs B

74. Dealing with an Active Shooter B

75. Restoring a Hurricane Ravaged Park and how one Community Came Back M

76. National Standards vs. User Group Screening – Are You at Risk M

More than 75 sessions for park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals planned!Full Conference Registration: $275.00Full Conference Registration (speaker, committee, spouse): $150.00One-Day Registration (Includes all sessions, lunch and access to the exhibit hall on Monday): $125.00

Speaker Registration (not attending conference): No charge

Student/Retiree Registration: $75.00

Sunday Night Social (fee for one-day registrants only): $60.00

Monday Aquarium Event (fee for one-day registrants only): $60.00

To register for the 2016 Annual Conference please visit www.nysrps.org. Payment may be made by check, PO or credit card. ALL registrants attending must individually register.

A very special rate for lodging of $149.00 (taxes not included) per room has been secured at the Hyatt Regency. Be sure to book your room early as a limited number of rooms have been reserved for this special rate. All room reservations must be made by March 16th, 2016 to be eligible for this greatly reduced room rate.

Take this opportunity to secure a sponsorship TODAY! Be visible months before the Annual Conference and consider one of our many opportunities to advertise. Custom sponsorships also available – please call NYSRPS at (518) 584-0321.

Keynote Sponsor Breakfast Sponsor Bronze Sponsor

*As of press time.

For more information visit: www.longisland.hyatt.com


Promoting HealtHier, Safer and greener CommunitieS

19 Roosevelt Drive, Suite 200 v Saratoga Springs, NY 12866518.584.0321 v 518.584.5101(fax) v [email protected] v www.nysrps.org

IndIvIdual awards

Lifetime AchievementDistinguished ServiceOutstanding ServiceYoung Professional

Robert W. Miner “Good Guy”Frances Wallach “Good Gal”

ABCD AwardDistinguished Citizen

Elected Official of the YearMemorial Hall of FameTherapeutic Recreation

Recognizing the PRofessionals Who imPRove ouR Quality of life

agency awards

Special EventsProgram of Merit

MultimediaThe Excellence in Landscape Design

The Exceptional Facility DesignThe Exceptional Park Design

Inclusion Program of Excellence

IndIvIdual/agency awards

Environmental LeadershipOutstanding Corporate Partnership

aWaRds and

2016u u

Recognition



• NYSRPS District and Affiliate award winner nominations (selected via local award luncheons) must be submitted by the District/Affiliate Chairperson. These nominations must be submitted together, in one package, and each entry must be accompanied by the official nomination form with award category indicated.

• It is required that all nominations include photo(s) or electronic artwork of the individual, organization, publication, facility or program for presentation purposes, preferably on CD Rom. Please submit six (6) copies of the nomination form and all supporting documents (letters, narratives, DVDs, pictures, CDs, original publications, etc.). Nominations with less than six copies will be disqualified.

• If required, current NYSRPS membership will be verified. Nominations submitted by non-members will be disqualified.• Nominees must be in the appropriate category.• All nominations and supplemental materials should be sent to the NYSRPS Awards and Recognition Chairperson at the address listed

on the nomination form.• The NYSRPS Awards Committee will be solely responsible for the review, evaluation, and selection of award winners. • Nominators will be informed in writing of the decision of the Awards Committee prior to the Annual Conference. • Decision of the committee will be final. • All award entries will remain the property of the NYSRPS.

Each year the New York State Recreation and Park Society presents a series of awards that have become a coveted honor for the people and organizations singled out for their contributions to parks and recreation. These awards are presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon, held each year during the Annual Conference & Business Expo. Only

current members of NYSRPS are eligible to nominate qualified candidates for these awards. The nomination form must be clearly and completely filled out and postmarked by the deadline indicated. Supplemental material such as videos, pictures, news releases, flyers, etc. will be accepted, but must be packaged together with the completed nomination form. You may make copies of the nomination form as needed.

nomination PRoceduRe

Selection of Winners

Past winners of our highest honorsDistinguished Service1987- Joseph M. Caverly, Westchester County Parks1988- Robin Kunstler, Patricia Urquhart, & Professor Lestor Rhoads1989- John P. Silsby, Town of Tonowanda1990- Joseph P. Davidson, City of New York1991- Patricia Urquhart, Town of Manlius1992- Uluss (Gus) Thompson, NYS Parks & Recreation1993- Jim Donahue, Town of Perinton1994- Salvatore Cresenzi Village of Rye Brook1995- Edward Wankel, New York State Department of Parks & Recreation1996- Gary Lane, Town of Tonowanda1997- Bryon Bissonette, City of Plattsburgh1998- Judith A. Gordon, Suffolk County Department of Parks1999- Mr. Daniel Drake, Town of Southport2000- Mr. Tom Kehoskie, Town of Camillus Park and Recreation2001- Mr. Michael Cooper, Town of Penfield2002- Mr. Paul Blake, Sales Representative, Mid-Altantic Products2003 - Dr. Arthur Mittelstaed, Jr., Recreation Safety Institute2004 - Justin Pokines, Town of Sullivan2005 - Frank Allkofer, Monroe County Parks2006 - William Zimmermann, City of New Rochelle2007 - Richard Rose, Town of Orangetown2008- Joseph A. Stout, Westchester County PRC2009 - Charles Connington, Clarkstown Parks & Recreation2010 - Sally Rogol, City of Rye2011 - Ann Smiley, Town of Lysander2012 - Jack Voelker, Chautauqua Institution2013 - Jeff Myers, Town of Perinton2014 - N/A2015 - N/A

Outstanding Service1987- Village & Town of Mt. Kisco, NY1988- Ontario Beach Program Committee Inc. of Rochester, NY1989- Rosaline Preudhomme1990- Bill Diamond, Diamond Studios & Associates, Inc.1991- Daryl Willenbrink1992- Jeanie T. Piatt, Project Playground Citizens Group, Town of Newburgh1993- E. William Miller, Town of Tonawanda Parks & Rec Committee1994- Jean Marshall, Town of Gates1995- Cheektowaga YES Program1996- Genesse Region Telephone Pioneers1997- Onondaga Park Association1998- Bernadette Castro1999- Vergie Mingo, Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center2000- William Murray, NYSOPRHP- Central Region2001- Jody Rogers, Town of Cicero2002- James Smiley, Oswego County Catholic Charities2003- Tom White, City of Syracuse2004- Bonnie Brown, City of Syracuse Aquatics Director2005- Peggy Kenyon, Town of Manlius2006- Jim Raulli, City of Manlius2007 -Elaine Apfelbaum, Town of Clarkstown2008 - Martin Denecke, Town of Hamburg2009 - Jeff Myers, Town of Perinton2010 - Bob Ellis, Onondaga County Parks2011 - Patrick Driscoll, City of Syracuse2012 - Wayne Morris, Town of Clay2013 - Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius2014 - Karen Keast, Town of DeWitt2015 - Julie LaFave, Town of Cicero


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDThis special award is to recognize a person who live(d) or work(ed) in the State of New York and has achieved prominence for his/her excellence in achieving outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of recreation and parks on the local and/or state levels. These contributions should be of long term impact upon the recreation and park movement. A minimum of 20 years in the field of Recreation and Parks is required. Nominee is to be a resident of/or work in the State of New York at the time of prominence.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDThis is the most prestigious award that the NYSRPS offers. To receive the Distinguished Service Award, the nominee shall be an individual who has made significant contributions, over a period of 10 years or more, to NYSRPS and their local district/affiliate.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDTo receive the Outstanding Service Award, the nominee shall be a professional in the field and/or an organization which, over a period of at least five years, made outstanding contributions to enrich the lives of individuals or groups of individuals in neighborhoods, communities, or the State of New York, through recreation, parks, and conservation.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARDThe Young Professional Award is presented to a current parks and recreation professional who exhibits the attributes of an emerging leader, as displayed through their initiative, innovation, and contributions to the park and recreation field. Nominees should possess a record of career advancement, be engaged in professional and/or community organizations, and demonstrate outstanding service to their agency. Must be an NYSRPS member and have less than five years experience in the field of parks and recreation in their current position.

DISTINGUISHED CITIZENThe Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes a citizen, community park board member, or volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional efforts towards enhancing and supporting parks and recreation in their community and/or New York State. Nominees may be recognized for a record of cumulative service or for their endeavors related to a single project or activity of significance.

ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEARThe Elected Official of the Year Award will be presented to an individual who provides exemplary support to parks and recreation. This individual has made significant contributions to the parks and recreation field through active participation, advocacy, or through policy and legislation. This individual can be at the local, county, regional, state or federal level.

ROBERT W. MINER ‘GOOD GUY’ and FRANCES WALLACH ‘GOOD GAL’A member of any section of NYSRPS; an individual who is actively involved in the Society and in activities related to the field of leisure services; an individual who has unselfishly contributed time, expertise, and effort to further the principles and goals of the field of leisure services.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATIONNominee must be a member of NYSRPS or NYSTRA with a minimum of 5 years in the field. Nominee is deserving of recognition for dedication and commitment in the field of therapeutic recreation or in helping to provide programs for people with disabilities.

ABCD AwardThe individual should have gone “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” by having made an outstanding contribution to the field of public recreation and parks, significant enough to have had a stimulating effect on recreation at a town, city, state or national level. This award is open to volunteers and part-time/seasonal, park or secretarial staff. This award is not intended for full time Park and Recreation Professionals. Membership in NYSRPS not required.

agency aWaRdsindividual aWaRdsEXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE DESIGNThe Excellence in Landscape Design Award projects include garden design, landscape art, sculptures and pathways, and improvements on landscape projects and maintenance.

EXCEPTIONAL FACILITY DESIGNThe Exceptional Facility Design Award projects include indoor pools and indoor sports complexes, community centers, information centers, gymnasiums, picnic shelters, restrooms, lighting, water sewer systems and parking lots, or other amenities.

EXCEPTIONAL PARK DESIGNThe Exceptional Park Design Award is for a project that contains facility and landscape components. Examples would be sports fields, playgrounds, splash pads, trails and linear parks, skate parks, dog parks, and outdoor aquatic facilities.

PROGRAM OF MERITThis award will be given to a department that has developed an outstanding ongoing program that is innovative, creative and unique in nature or that demonstrates a new twist on an old theme while still being consistent with current trends. This program must enrich a group, community, or individual and is characterized as an organized recreation or leisure activity that is offered either on a daily, weekly, seasonal, or annual basis. The program must be in existence for a minimum of two (2) years.

INCLUSION PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCEThe Inclusion Program of Excellence Award praises an organization or agency for their achievements pertaining to a program or project that increases awareness and benefits of parks and recreation for everyone. This award highlights and acknowledges the organization’s effort and determination to provide inclusive opportunities and programming to their community.

SPECIAL EVENT AWARDTo receive the Special Event Award, the nominated event shall be a specific, one-time program held between February 3, 2015 and February 26, 2016 that made outstanding contributions to enrich the lives of individuals or groups in neighborhoods or communities in recreation, parks, or conservation.

MULTIMEDIAPresented to the agency that has most effectively created awareness and gained exposure through Video/Audio/Electronic coverage including website, social media, special videos, etc...

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIPThis award recognizes a park and recreation professional or agency who has made an outstanding effort during the last one to five years to sustain and improve the environment and/or reduce the environmental impact made by the agency.

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPThe Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award recognizes a vendor, company, or individual who has significantly contributed to the field of parks and recreation and developed a strong partnership with NYSRPS, a local organization or agency. This vendor, company, or individual has shown great leadership and support to the parks and recreation field by providing equipment, volunteer time, in-kind services, or other contributions to a project or program that benefits the community and demonstrates the importance of parks and recreation.

individual/agency aWaRds


2016 Award Nomination Form

aWaRd Being nominated foR (Please check):

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS__Lifetime Achievement__Distinguished Service__Outstanding Service__Young Professional__Robert W. Miner “Good Guy”__Frances Wallach “Good Gal”__ABCD Award__Distinguished Citizen__Elected Official of the Year__Therapeutic Recreation

nominee infoRmation:Nominee’s Name: Title:

Agency:

Address:

Work Phone: Email:

Photocopy this form for multiple nominations. Deadline is February 26, 2016. Nominations not postmarked by the deadline will be disqualified.

AGENCY AWARDS__Special Event__Program of Merit__Multimedia__The Excellence in Landscape Design__The Exceptional Facility Design__The Exceptional Park Design__Inclusion Program of Excellence

INDIVIDUAL/AGENCY AWARDS__Environmental Leadership__Outstanding Corporate Partnership

Reason foR nominating:Please describe how the nominee meets or exceeds the criteria. If necessary, attach a separate sheet with specific accomplishments, etc. Include letters of recommendation and other supporting documentation. Please submit 6 copies of the nomination form and all supporting documents (letters, narratives, DVDs, pictures, original publications, etc.)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nominated by: Title:

Agency: Work phone:

Address:

Email:

Signature of nominator:

Please submit nomination by February 26, 2016 to:Charry Lawson

Onondaga Parks & Recreation4834 Velasko Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215

For questions contact Charry at (315) 469-3464


T he purpose of this special award is to recognize posthumously persons who lived or worked in the State of New York and have achieved prominence for their excellence in achieving outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of recreation and parks on the local, state, and/or national levels. Through this medium, we will pay tribute to these individuals so they may serve as shining examples and symbols for future generations.

Memorial Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Please submit nomination by February 26, 2016 to:Graham Skea

NYSRPS Hall of Fame Committee Chair84 Grove Street • Montgomery, NY 12549

BiogRaPhical infoRmation of nominee:On a separate sheet, please provide nominee’s background as to where he or she was born, lived, and/ or worked at the time when in New York, plus high school or college attended, etc. Also, please include a photo of the nominee.

Reason foR nominating:On a separate sheet of paper, please furnish the Committee sufficient information to properly judge how your nominee has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the advancement of the recreation and park movement on the local, state, and/or national levels.

nominee infoRmation:Nominee’s Name:

Name of Kin, if known: Phone Number of Kin, if known:

Address of Kin, if known:

Date of Birth:

Date of Death:

cRiteRia foR the memoRial hall of fame nominees is as folloWs:1. Nominees will be considered for their contributions to the recreation and park field on the local, state,

and/or national levels. These contributions should be of long term impact upon the recreation and park movement.

2. Nominees are to be residents of/or worked in the State of New York at the time of prominence.

3. No nominee will be considered until at least one year following their death. This is a posthumous honor.

The name, biography and photo of the honoree will be added to the Memorial Hall of Fame and displayed at the 2016 Annual Conference and all subsequent conferences and exhibitions.

Nominated By:

Name: Phone Number:

Address: City: State: Zip:

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USTA Eastern is a not-for-profit community service organiza-tion focused on growing participation in tennis. In an effort to develop tennis participation, the section continually seeks to partner with organizations that share the desire to provide op-portunities for people of all ages to play and learn tennis, have fun and get fit. The Eastern Section offers several grants to organizations throughout the year, aimed at in-creasing tennis participation.

One of USTA Eastern’s main grant opportunities is provided by the Eastern Junior Tennis Foundation (JTF). The JTF offers grants to help non-profit organi-zations, such as park and recreation departments, to initiate or expand tennis activities. Grants may be used for instructional programs or leagues geared toward juniors. Applications for the JTF grants will be available in late winter or early spring of 2016.

“The grants provide kids with the opportunity to start or con-tinue playing tennis,” Joe Steger, USTA Eastern Western Region Tennis Service Representative said. “Offering support to New

York area parks allows for a diverse network of parents and kids to be reached.”

Another one of USTA Eastern’s grant opportunities is provided by the Eastern Adult Tennis Foundation (EATF). The EATF offers

grants to help non-profit organizations as well, with a focus on adult programming. These applications are made

available in June.

Participation Growth Incentive and Start-Up and Ex-pansion Program grants, referred to as PISE grants, are also given out to organizations looking to start or

expand new tennis programs at all levels. These par-ticular grants can focus on growing tennis for youth and/

or adults through programming that could include USTA flag-ship programs such as Junior Team Tennis, Eastern sanctioned tournaments for juniors and adults and USTA Adult Leagues. The long-term goal for all of these funding streams is to help programs become self-sufficient.

Tennis continued on page 25…

USTA Eastern Provides Opportunities to Play Tennis

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Children are introduced to tennis easier than ever before using an interactive and educational format. Use of smaller racquets, low compression tennis balls and smaller courts allow children to rally and be successful from the start. A great way to introduce new players into programs is through USTA Play Days. Tennis providers can host and register their Play Days on YouthTennis.com, making it easy for parents and children to find events in their area. The USTA conducts two special promotions during the year encouraging organizations to hold play events in the months of March and September by offering special incentives to providers.

“The use of age-appropriate equipment is key to ensuring that children have a positive first experience with tennis,” Steger said. “We work with manufacturers that provide discounted equipment to organizations we refer.”

With a team of experienced staff and clinicians, USTA Eastern also offers workshops tailored to the needs of providers. There are several resources, including Coach Youth Tennis (www.coachyouthtennis.com), available to park and recreation de-partments. The Coach Youth Tennis program will help anyone working with kids to ensure that they have a great time and want to keep playing. The website offers six online courses that are free of charge, and includes a calendar listing of 10 and Under Tennis workshops taking place across the country. USTA Eastern conducts workshops periodically throughout the section, and also has access to curriculum materials and other resources for instructors and program providers.

In addition, park and recreation departments can renovate or expand tennis facilities with help from the USTA. Facility resources include grants to help with court construction, renovations and lines for smaller courts, blacktops or playgrounds. Services also include free technical support to help assess, develop, design and plan facilities.

For more information on USTA Eastern’s programs, resources and support, contact Joe Steger at [email protected] or 914-282-4153, or visit www.eastern.usta.com. USTA Eastern is comprised of six regions, all of which have a Tennis Service Rep-resentative (TSR) in the field to develop programs and support the organizations that help to grow tennis participation.

Children are introduced to tennis easier than ever before using an interactive and educational format.


By Donald A. Rakow, Associate Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science Section of Horticulture, Cornell University

Play. It’s that series of activities that children delight in and use to hone their motor skills, social abilities, and sense of self. But is play the sole domain of kids? Michael Cohen, longtime playground designer and member of the staff at ‘Play by Design,’ doesn’t think so, and he’s devoting the latter stage of his career to designing play areas tailored to the older set.

Wellness Parks for Seniors:Serious Play


Cohen was inspired to address the recreational needs of seniors after viewing a video of a playground for elders in Manchester, England. He was struck by the delight on the older residents’ faces, and immediately recognized a need that was not being met in this country. We build housing and community centers for seniors, so why do we ignore the value of outdoor exercise?

Researching the topic further, Cohen learned that the Chinese and other Asian societies have long addressed this need by providing outdoor gyms for elders in the communities where they live. Since the 1990’s, the concept has spread to a number of European countries and one or two sites in British Columbia. But Cohen was frustrated by the lack of interest in the United States.

In response, Cohen has designed wellness parks that address two critical needs of older populations: exercise to remain healthy and limber and socializing to prevent isolation. His designs include adaptive exercise equipment, some of which he’s developed and some which is based on prototypes from Asia or Europe. He blends the built features with trees and other plantings to make the sites shady and attractive, while avoiding secluded corners that could feel insecure to seniors. Cohen’s

vision “is a park or garden that is inviting. A place that has a serenity, lightheartedness about it.”

As Cohen sees it, seniors enjoy being challenged by new workout modes, but must feel confident that they won’t be embarrassed by an apparatus they can’t control. He addresses this issue in two ways- by ensuring that pieces of equipment are low impact with minimal opportunities for failure, and by placing benches within sight of equipment, so bench sitters can see how easily peers master the gear.

But what about those geriatric individuals with limited mobility or in wheelchairs? Cohen has incorporated game tables to accommodate wheelchairs, and exercise machines that can be accessed from a seated position. And by minimizing grade changes and avoiding steps, senior playgrounds can be made accessible to most individuals.

For parks managers, designating a recreational area specifically for seniors can present challenges, and it isn’t Cohen’s intention to exclude children from playing in them. But he has found that so called ‘multi-generational’ playgrounds tend to focus on the needs of kids to the exclusion of elders. Slides, see-saws, and

traditional swings simply aren’t designed for older generations.

And safety, certainly, is a major issue. While working out on equipment in a senior park can improve one’s balance and range of motion, special concern needs to be taken when individuals with cognitive impairments are present. Cohen regularly seeks the input and advice of gerontology experts, many of whom are members of the impressive board he’s built to guide him in this process. But he feels that persons with Alzheimer’s or similar conditions are most often accompanied by a caregiver and thus unlikely to harm themselves or wander away from the park. The goal is to get every senior outside, regardless of their physical or mental capacities.

The process of getting Americans to awaken to the outdoor recreational needs of seniors has been a slow one, and Cohen is hopeful that the first of the wellness parks he’s designed will be constructed this coming spring. But simply by raising this neglected issue, he has demonstrated yet another way that our parks and recreational areas can provide for greater health and wellness throughout an individual’s lifespan.

* Signifies business partners


AQUATIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT Deschamps Mat Systems Inc.618 Little Falls Rd. Unit 7-8Cedar Grove, NJ [email protected]

Quatic-FTSystemsJeff Betz216 River St.Troy, NY [email protected]

Mateflex.comKevin Wheelock2007 Beechgrove PlaceUtica, NY [email protected] ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS LARID LAJim Laird547 Edwards LaneMartinsburg, PA [email protected]

*Maxian + HorstTerry Horst306 Hawley Ave.Syracuse, NY [email protected]

Timber Homes, LLCTimo BradleyPO Box 106Vershire, VT [email protected]

Weston & SampsonPaulette Barlette22 High StRensselawe, NY [email protected]

Whitacre GreerAndrew Karas400 W 43 St. #45BNew York, NY [email protected]

CONSULTANTS C. Pine Associates Christopher Pine4 Barlows Landing Road Suite 12Pocasset, MA [email protected]

Parks and Pastimes, Inc.Dr. Marilynn R. Glasser16 Mt. Ebo Road South, Suite 12A-6Brewster, NY [email protected]

Wright Risk Management Company, Inc.Robert Blaisdell333 Earle Ovinton Blvd Suite 505Uniondale, NY [email protected]

DISK GOLF SUPPLIES Innova Disk GolfRyan Baker2850 Commerce DriveRock Hill, SC [email protected]

ENTERTAINMENT Fun FlicksTimothy BennettPO Box 685Cortland, NY [email protected]

Quassy Amusement ParkRon GustafsonPO Box 887Middlebury, CT 06762203-758-2913, ext [email protected]

The Brain ShowJeffery O’Lear145 Lake in the Clouds RoadCamademsos, PA [email protected]

Young Explosives Corp.Display FireworksJim YoungPO Box 18653Rochester, NY [email protected]

WonderWorksAshley Doss9090 Destiny USA DriveSyracuse, NY 13204315-466-7700 x [email protected]

LIGHTNING PREDICTION AND WARNING SYSTEMS Thor Guard IncBob Dugan1193 Sawgrass Corp ParkwaySunrise, Fl [email protected] MARINE ACCESSORIES

Morgan Recreational Supply, Inc.Tim Prokop6013 Denny Dr.Farmington, NY [email protected]

PAINTS & COATINGS

Franklin Paint CompanyLauretta Taddeo259 Cottage St.Franklin, MA [email protected]

Super Seal SealcoatingGregory DuffyPO Box 925Penfield, NY [email protected]

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

American Recreational ProductsBob Brown1535 Locust Ave.Bohemia, NY [email protected]

Bears PlaygroundsDanny Bears7625 E. Main Rd.Lima, NY [email protected]

BigToys PlaygroundsJohn LaRue35 Oak Forest Dr.Little Compton, RI [email protected]

Commercial Recreation SpecialistsCarrie Becker415 Investment CourtVerona, WI [email protected]

Gametime/MarturanoJim MarturanoPO Box 106Spring Lake, NJ [email protected]

KOMPAN, IncJeff LaRue930 BroadwayTacoma, WA [email protected]

Miracle RecreationJoseph DenzakPO Box 15517Syracuse, NY [email protected]

*Parkitects, Inc./ Site SpecialistsKaren Armstrong138 Ludlowville Rd.Lansing, NY 14882607-533-3517, ext [email protected]

ParkPlanetNick Santos1555 Tahoe CourtRedding, CA [email protected]

Play and Park StructuresJill HagenPO Box 1003Amherst, NY [email protected]

R.E. WoodsonBob Woodson3520 Dewey AveRochester, NY [email protected]

Schoolscapes IncorporatedChristopher Leavold38 West Main St.Clifton Springs, NY [email protected]

Universal Play SystemsLauren Martelli1 Madison AvenueLarchmont, NY [email protected]

Vortex Aquatic StructureAnne LeDuc328 AvroPointe Claire, QC [email protected]

PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTION

Peggy Payne & Assoc. IncPeggy Payne146 BroadwayHawthorne, NY [email protected]

SURFACING Copeland Coating CompanyAlbert GiameiPO Box 595Nassau, NY [email protected]

Chameleon WaysRobert LaBarre188 Jefferson St.Emmanus, PA [email protected]

CST PaversMark Pitcher23 Ridge Rd.Branchville, NY [email protected]

Experienced Brick and StoneDawn Snyder4536 Main St #102Amherst, NY [email protected]

Playsites + Surfaces, Inc.Darrell Wilson908-B Long Island Ave.Deer Park, NY [email protected]

SealMaster – BuffaloRichard OrtizPO Box 7257Buffalo, NY [email protected]

Velvetop ProductsBill Walsh1455 NY AveHuntington Station, NY [email protected]

SITE AMENITIES

Jamestown Advanced ProductsShari Eckman2855 Girts RdJamestown, NY [email protected]

Most Dependable FountainsBob Beachum283 Kimbrough PlaceMemphis, TN [email protected]

Oldcastle Precast Inc.Steve Grischott3900 Glover Rd.Easton, PA [email protected]

R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc.Bob Simonsen PO Box 946Cherokee, IA 51012 [email protected]

2016 Commercial Membership Guide

The Voice Advertising Rates*

Ink: Full ColorPublication frequency: Printed two times per yearIssues: Winter/Spring 2016, Summer/Fall 2016

SPACE 1 issue 2 issuesBack Cover ................................ $875 .............. $800Inside Front or Back Cover ........... $775 .............. $725Full Page (7.625 x 10.25 in) ........... $725 .............. $675Half Page (7.625 x 5.125 in) .......... $515 ............... $475Quarter Page (3.813 x 5.125 in) ..... $315 ............... $275

*All prices are quoted at NYSRPS Commercial Member rate per ad, per issue. Non-member rates higher - inquire for details.

Submit advertisements as: print-ready PDF file. Resolution should be 300-350 ppi. When supplying PDF files, embed all im-ages and fonts.

Magazine trim size is 8.5 x 11 in. Live area is 7.625 x 10.25 in. If supplying full page bleed ad, please add 1/8 in bleed to trim size.

To become a Commercial Member, or to purchase ad space contact: Meaghan J. Wilkins, MRSTDirector of [email protected] or 518-584-0321


SOFTWARE

Capturepoint.comCaitlin CarrierCaitlin Carrier215 East Ridgewood Ave. Rm 205Ridgewood, NJ [email protected]

CityReporterRachel Huston200-1840 Third AvePrince George, BC, Canada [email protected]

Maximum Solutions Inc.Jesse Parker4570 W 77th St.Suite 365Edina, Mn [email protected]

My Rec.comRay Foleypo box 302Killington, [email protected]

RecDesk SoftwareMike Morris222 Pitkin StreetEast Hartford, CT [email protected]

ReCPro SoftwareDale Geiger35807 Moravian DriveClinton Township, Michigan [email protected]

Tyler Technologies IncAbiGaile Kane1 Tyler DriveYarmoth, ME [email protected]

*Vermont SystemsKathy Messier12 Market PlaceEssex Junction, VT 05452802-879-6993, ext [email protected]

SPORTING GOOD SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT

Advantage Sport & Fitness2255 N Triphammer RdIthaca, NY [email protected]

C&C VendingMichael Weiss70 Macquestern PkwyMt. Vernon, NY [email protected]

Century SportsSandy Hunt1715 Oak Street, Suite 1Lakewood, NJ [email protected]

Core Elements GymEsther Hollander492-c Cedar LaneTeaneck, NJ [email protected]

G&G Fitness Equiptment Inc.7350 Transit Rd.Williamsville, NY [email protected]

*Sport Supply Group Inc/ BSN SportsElliot Schwebel27 Schalren Dr.Latham, NY [email protected]

SPORTS LIGHTING Musco LightingDon Rhuda22 Chestnut Dr.Mahopac, NY [email protected]

Lightspec Inc.Steve Danzig1501 Monroe Ave.Rochester, NY [email protected]

POOL CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLIES *RenoSys CorporationShanda Lybrook2825 East 55th Pl.Indianapolis, IN [email protected]

Aquatic Facility Design, Inc.JaCinda Tuesing183 Moore St.Millersburg, PA [email protected]

Aquatic Development GroupDavid Keim13 Green Mt. Dr.Cohoes, NY [email protected]

Commercial Clearwater Co., Inc.Paul MeilinkP.O. Box 909Plandome, NY [email protected]

H Krevit IncBlake Brock67 Welton StreetNew Haven, CT [email protected]

Vortex Aquatic StructuresAnn LeDuc328 AvroPointe Claire, QC Canada H9R514-694-3868 [email protected]

TENNIS SUPPLIES Century Sports, Inc.Sandy Hunt1995 Rutgers University Blvd.PO Box 2035Lakewood, NJ [email protected]

Retour TennisSarah Dermody9413 Lost Pine TrailVerona, Wi [email protected]

*USTA EasternJoe Steger70 West Red Oak LaneWhite Plains, NY [email protected]

TURF SPECIALISTS Alternative Earth CareKristine Fitzpatrick1 Jem CourtBay Shore, NY 11706www.Alternativeearthcare.com

TRAINING US Sports InstituteMark Tolley12 Maiden Lane Suite 3Bound Brook, NJ [email protected]

National Alliance for Youth SportsEric Burns113 Shetland Pl., Warners, NY [email protected]

FIRST AID SUPPLIES Masune First AidKaren Wenner500 Filmore AveTonawanda, NY [email protected] SKATE RINKS Outdoor Rinks by Iron SleekMichael Barbanente1555 Industrial Drive Itasca, Il [email protected] STAGE RENTALS AND SALES Stageline Mobile Stage700 Marsolais StL’Assomption, Quebec [email protected] STRUCTURAL SOILS Amereq Inc.19 Squadron Blvd.New City, NY [email protected]

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION Creative ClinicsNina Priya Ma David101 West 12 Street Apt 7ANew York, NY [email protected]

2016 Commercial Membership Guide

* Signifies business partners


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NYSRPS The Voice Winter/Spring 2016

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