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From the Executive Director
Dear PRPS Members & Friends,
I hope this issue of the PRPS e-newsletter finds you all well. April has proven to be a very wet month here in Centre County and I believe equally so across the state! I imagine the field use issues are front and center with your time as well as hiring and training your summer staff.
If you have new swimming pool hires, you may be interested in sending them to the Swimming Pool Management 101 Workshop. It prepares participants to sit for the Pesticide Applicator Exam. If they will be applying chemicals to your pool both are vital! There is more information on a special May course we are offering further in this newsletter.
The PRPS Governmental Affairs Committee is keeping track of pending legislation and issues that could affect the parks and recreation world. We recently had a conference call and are looking at developing a standard advocacy plan and are pursuing a Legislative Day in Harrisburg for June. Be sure to continually rally your local state representative and senators to be your champions! It is their support that will get an issue that is important to you before the Governor.
The Park Resource Branch had a very successful work day at the PRPS Office. Some members of PTRS also assisted in planting ivy, mulching, and general winter clean up. We have a picture of everyone under Member News. The staff here at PRPS is very thankful for the work that is done - we get many compliments on how nice the property looks. That day was busy with the final installation of the flagpole lighting and the plaque commemorating the date the flag was installed. Thanks to the Park Resource Branch and John Mikowychok for updating our landscape plan after each work day!
On April 17th, there was a park bench and tree dedication for Bob Griffith at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in State College. Several DCNR employees, Bob and his wife and I attended the dedication ceremony which tied in with the grand opening of the center's new education building. There is also a picture from the ceremony in Member News. Congratulations to Bob for this wonderful and well deserved recognition.
As we close out this month and look to May, I hope that everyone is getting a chance to get outdoors! After attending a meeting with some folks from the PA Fish & Boat Commission this week, I have some news that may entice you to fish! Cabela's has teamed up with the PA Fish & Boat Commission in a promotion called, "Wanna Go Fishin' For Millions?" Yes, that is in dollars! Okay, I'm already dreading that I've shared this as there go my chances! Check out the details and get your fishing license through the fish commission's website: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/. If you sign up for the event they will send you some tips on where the million dollar fish might be! This is being done with other states as well but only those with a Cabela's store. There is only one big winner fish and it may not be in PA - but there are other items and money that you can win, so start fishing. If you do win the million (or more) feel free to send PRPS a donation to the building fund - We have plenty of naming opportunities as well!
Sincerely,
Kim
Kimberly M. Woodward, CPRP
Executive Director |
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 PA Land Conservation Conference
Film/Roundtable: Exploring Best Practices and Partnerships for Green, Healthy, and Playful Parks and Natural Areas
May 19, 2011
Harrisburg Hilton
4:30 PM-6:30 PM
FREE
CEUs available!
Participants can expect to:
- Discuss the changing balance between virtual and natural worlds;
- Learn of partnerships between park and recreation and land conversation professionals whom are addressing the consequences of a childhood removed from nature;
- Develop solutions to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor lifestyles;
- Build relationships with park and recreation and land conservation professionals in order to promote environmental stewardship and ultimately connect people with nature in green, healthy, and playful environments.
For registration information, directions, lodging and conference agenda visit the following link: http://www.conserveland.org/conferences/10/
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Annual Conference
March 18th -22nd, 2012
"Recreation Powers Unite"
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, PA
Session Proposals are being accepted through mid-July. For the proposal form, please go to our website at www.prps.org. If you have any questions please contact Daphne Klahr (dsebelist@westreadingborough.org) and Karen Regenfuse (karen@muhlenbergtwp.com) 2012 Education Co-Chairs.
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Member News
Pictures from the Millbrook Marsh bench/tree dedication for Bob Griffith.
Retirement!
Peter O'Keefe, Ridley Park, has officially retired on April 15th, 2011. Best wishes Peter!
Sympathy
Greg Roth, from Centre Region Parks & Recreation brother passed away on April 26th. The Parks & Recreation Department is taking up a memorial in rememberance of Alan D. Roth. Donations in the form of cash, check or credit card can be made by mail, phone or in person at the office (2643 Gateway Drive, Suite 1, State College, PA) Checks should be made payable to CPRP and noted Alan D. Roth Memorial in the memo. In lieu of flowers, the funds will be used as outlined in the obituary (for preservation of native species at the Angora Fruit Farm). The contribution will include names of all donors.
Deadline for contributions will be May 4th, 2011.
Mr. Roth's obituary can be viewed at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/readingeagle/obituary.aspx?n=alan-roth&pid=150596897
 | | The end of a long day at the PRPS Office! PTRS and Park Resource Branch Members finishing up. |
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Tips of the Trade
Yours in Training, Jeremy Bean PRPS Training Coordinator 
Being a recreational rock climber I came across this article in the April edition of Parks and Recreation and it intrigued me. I find it amazing that places are finding ways to bring these niche markets into their facilities. I know many an avid climber who would spend a great deal of time working on these types of boulder climbs. I can also envision the hundreds of youth who would be inspired to take up the sport if they got to "play" on something like this. Take a look at this article if you get a chance, the link to the magazine online is here http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nrpa/201104/#/0.
(Page 18&19) What other niches are out there that we can bring more constituents to our facilities I wonder? I love to think of all the possibilities that exist that just need some water and tender loving care to grow! |
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 43rd Annual PA Therapeutic Recreation Institute
June 8th -10th, 2011
Harrisburg-Hershey Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
"Inspiring to become LEGENDS"
Registration Fees:
Full Package
Member - $325
Non-member - $375
Students/Retiree/Spouse - $225
Commuter
Member - $225
Non-member - $245
The Registration Guide is available on the PRPS & PTRS website! You can also register online. Click on the link (Click here to Register Online) on the PRPS website in the New Corner, then you will need to put in your primary email address and password. The default password is Password1. Then go to the event you would like to register and click Select.
Silent Auction
We will, again, have baskets available at our vendor area for the Silent Auction! Susan Newell has donated a set of her books for this event. The Board of Directors and TRI Committee will also have the 2nd Annual Basket of Cheer. We will have 70 tickets this year. Who will take the cheer away from last years winner, Lynne Pomietlarz?
We will accept basket donations from you all, too. Show off your facility, your hometown, favorite sports team, or favorite activity in a basket. Who knows...you may win it back! If you are interested in contributing, contact Becky Kandrac at bkandrac@masonicvillagespa.org.
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Trail News
2011 Greenways and Trails Summit Call for Presentations
by Emily Gates, Special Projects Coordinator, PRPS
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| | Howard Tunnel, York County Heritage Rail Trail |
Present at the 2011 Greenways and Trails (GWT) Summit: Health and Recreation Destinations...Greenways and Trails Leading the Way scheduled for September 11-13 at the Yorktowne Hotel in downtown York, Pennsylvania!
The summit unites approximately 200 trail developers, managers, advocates, government officials, professional consultants and others from Pennsylvania and beyond. It features keynote speakers of national significance, breakout sessions, and visits to nearby trails. The Summit is administered by the PA Recreation and Park Society and the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau with assistance from a variety of partners, including funding from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The GWT Summit Planning Committee wants to highlight the successful and innovative work that organizations are doing and to share ideas and lessons that will help develop greenways and trails. Learn more about the 2011 GWT Call for Presentations by accessing the
'11 GWT Call for Presentations Invite.
Submit a proposal by completing
the '11 GWT Call for Presentations Form.
The 2011 Greenways and Trails Summit Planning Committee looks forward to your submission!
SEPTEMBER 11th NATIONAL MEMORIAL TRAIL™
Join us in building a new national trail
This year as America approaches the tenth anniversary of September 11th, 2001, when the United States and the world were shocked by an act of terrorism beyond imagination, our citizens throughout the country have an opportunity to be part of a national trail to be called the September 11th National Memorial Trail; built as a tribute to all those who perished in America's single worst terrorist attack. The establishment of a hiking, biking and driving trail will provide a physical linkage connecting the three memorials commemorating the tragic events that occurred at the Flight 93 National Memorial, the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon.
JOIN US IN BUILDING THE PENNSYLVANIA SECTION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11th NATIONAL MEMORIAL TRAIL. We need your help identifying the best routes! With support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program, and trail and outdoors organizations three public planning meetings/ open houses will be held, and each meeting will have all maps available for drawing on. Attend all or part of each meeting.
Check here for dates, map and other information.
PA Statewide Trails Advisory Meeting
Earlier this month, Kim Woodward and Emily Gates participated in the PA Statewide Trails Advisory Committee Meeting in Harrisburg. There was lots of great sharing of the amazing work being done by various groups, trail providers and others in the world of trails! One interesting piece shared by Kent Taylor of DCNR was a contest for a Trail Application for mobile devices. What a creative way to get others interested in trails and using them! You can find out more information about the contest by going to the new ExplorePATrails.com website through the link below. Also on this site are links to help you find a trail and if you have information about an event on your own trails you can submit it and it will be featured here.
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Branch & District News
PA Therapeutic Recreation Society
Next board meeting June 8th, 2011 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Interested in being on the board? Contact Jenn Koehler, Past President at jennifer.koehler@va.gov.
Award nominations are still being accepted. Be recognized or recognize others for their accomplishments! For more information go to the PTRS website at www.ptrs.org. The Award Submission Deadline is May 13th, 2011.
DISTRICT II
Hersheypark Volunteer Program
Click here for the dates!
Bob Griffith CRAPPIE Golf Tournament
May 18th, 2011
Overlook Golf Course, Lancaster
It won't really be crappie, it will be great! Make plans now to join us for this golf event. The District Board is also looking for a few volunteers to assist with the planning and operation of the event. If you are interested in helping, please contact Debra Hatley at either d.hatley@yorktownship.com or 717-741-3861 x110.
DISTRICT III
NEW Shawnee Mountain Mud Run
August 20th, 2011 - Benefits Girls on the Run
For those of you who don't know what a Mud Run is, check out their website: http://www.shawneemt.com/s_shawneemountainmudrun.html
PA STATE PARKS SOCIETY
Clothing For Sale
The Society has PA State Park jackets, fleece vests, hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts and caps available for sale and immediate delivery.
Click here to view or to order! |
Other News
Effective Date for Department of Justice's 2010 ADA Standards
On March 15th, 2012, the Department of Justice's (DOJ) updated ADA Standards (2010) will become mandatory for new construction and alterations covered by the ADA. Until that date, either the 2010 standards or the original ADA standards can be followed.
In choosing which standards to follow, it is important to consider a project's design and construction schedule. Under DOJ's implementing regulations, the mandatory March 15th date applies to the physical start of construction/alteration or, where a building permit is required, to the date of the permit application.
Places of Public Accommodation and Commercial Facilities (Title III)
According to DOJ's revised title III regulations, compliance with the 2010 standards is required for the construction or alteration of places of public accommodation and commercial facilities where:
- the date the last application for a building permit or permit extension is certified to be complete by a State, county, or local government is on or after March 15th, 2012;
- the date the last application for a building permit or permit extension is received by a State, county, or local government (where the government does not certify the completion of applications) is on or after March 15th, 2012; or
- the start of physical construction or alteration (if no permit is required) is on or after March 15th, 2012.
State and Local Government Facilities (Title II)
For state and local government facilities covered by DOJ's standards under title II, DOJ requires that:
- if the start date for construction is on or after March 15th, 2012, all newly constructed or altered State and local government facilities must comply with the 2010 Standards.
Note that public transportation facilities, including bus stops and rail stations, are subject to ADA standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), not DOJ. DOT's updated ADA standards (2006), which are very similar to DOJ's 2010 edition, are already mandatory for public transportation facilities.
For further information on DOJ's ADA standards, visit DOJ's website at www.ada.gov. |
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Building Fund Contributions
District III
David Reifsnyder
Thank you! |
Upcoming Workshops
PRPS/LERN Courses
Click here for more information
Mapping a Route: MDS 3.0 to "I" Care Plans
Click here for the brochure!
May 3rd, 2011
Masonic Villages of Elizabethtown
Click here to register online!
A Practical Guide for Planning & Programming for Persons with Dementia
Click here for the brochure!
May 2nd, 2011
Generations of Indian Valley, Souderton
May 13th, 2011
Presbyterian SeniorCare, Oakmont
Click here to register online!
LEAD Program
May 5th & 6th, 2011
State College, PA
Swimming Pool Management 101 Class
with Pesticide Applicator Exam
Click here for the brochure!
May 11th & 12th, 2011
Lower Southampton Township
Click here to register online!
Playground Maintenance
Click here for the brochure!
May 17th, 2011
Warwick County Park, Pottstown
May 19th, 2011
Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg
May 20th, 2011
PRPS Office, State College
Click here to register online!
PA Land Conservation Conference
May 19th -21st, 2011
Harrisburg-Hilton - Downtown Harrisburg
The 2011 conference agenda covers a range of topics that will benefit those working in land conservation and includes 14 half-day and full-day seminars, 35 workshops and roundtables plus 3 adventure-filled field trips.
National Playground Safety Inspector Certification & Exam (Registration Deadline, Friday May 6th, 2011)
Click here for the brochure!
May 25th - 27th, 2011
Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center
State College, PA
Click here to register online!
Lancaster County Sustainable Landscapes Bus Tour
June 23rd, 2011
This one-day tour will show township officials, park managers, school administrators and faculty, landscape architects and others how to improve the natural world while saving money and other resources.
The bus tour registration material is now online, click here.
Greenways & Trails Summit
September 11th - 13th, 2011
Yorktowne Hotel, York
Save the Date!
Fall Mini-Conference - "The Great Ideas Mini-Conference"
October 12th - 13th, 2011
Location TBD (It will be centrally located in the State and only one location.) |
NRPA News
 The PA Room block for the NRPA Annual Congress & Exposition, held this year in Atlanta from November 1st - 4th, 2011, is now available. If you will be attending the congress and prefer to be with others from Pennsylvania, we will be at the Omni CNN. This is a very nice hotel with a lot of amenities and the convention center is across the street.
To book rooms online into your State Block, please follow the below steps:
-Go online to http://www.wynjade.com/nrpa11/states
-Click on "click here" to reserve your hotel room for NRPA 2011
-You will be instructed to provide a USER NAME and PASSWORD. Please ensure ALL attendees booking rooms into your block have the following USER NAME and PASSWORD:
USER NAME: penn PASSWORD: poconos
ALL individual names must be reserved into your block prior to July 29th, 2011 EOB. Any rooms remaining in your block after July 29th, 2011 will be released for general sale. |
| PA Recreation and Park Society
2131 Sandy Drive
State College, Pennsylvania 16803-2283
PA Recreation and Park Society
814-234-4272
Fax: 814-234-5276
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