On July 23rd, Governor Tom Corbett began a three-day kayak tour through Western Pennsylvania to promote Pennsylvania's vast natural resources and array of recreational opportunities. Gov. Corbett was joined on the water by representatives of the DCNR and the DEP, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and various local tourism and recreation groups.

"Pennsylvania is a vast state with an abundance of scenic landscapes," Corbett said. "There are many ways to see Pennsylvania and, for the second year in a row, I will get to experience the beauty of our commonwealth from our rivers."

Setting off from Tidioute, Warren County, Corbett kayaked down the Allegheny and Conemaugh rivers; visiting Forest, Venango and Warren counties, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Throughout the trip, the governor spent time on water as well as on land touring several Pennsylvania parks and historic sites. Gov. Corbett also visited parks and historic sites in the region to see the successful partnership of preservation and economic growth.

"Preserving our natural resources for generations to come is critical to the growth of our commonwealth. Not only do they support a high quality of life for our residents, but they support the continued success of Pennsylvania's tourism industry," Corbett said.

"Every dollar in state money we invest in our award-winning state park system generates $12 in local economic activity that helps communities prosper and maintain jobs," said Corbett. "Businesses such as outfitters, bike shops, B & Bs and restaurants all crop up to support the visitors to our parks."

66th Annual Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society Conference
March 23-27, 2013, Hershey, PA 

 SAVE THE DATE! 

"The road to making a difference begins with PRPS." We all make a difference, we do it every day. Let's get together and prove it in Hershey, PA for the 66th Annual PRPS Conference. With new "active" program sessions, uplifting keynote speakers, and innovative demos and exhibits, you'll find surprises around every corner. Recreation pioneers from across the state will attend to learn and share ideas to bring recreation to the forefront of all our communities.

Start planning now and come on the road trip! PRPS is looking for presenters and vendors for the conference. Interested parties should go to www.prps.org/training/training.html.

Visit Hershey, PA...the sweetest place on earth! In 1905, Milton S Hershey built his famous chocolate factory and the town surrounding it. Visit www.hersheypa.com to learn about all that this "town built on chocolate" has to offer. Hershey Park, The Chocolate Factory, Hershey Gardens, ZooAmerica,

Hershey Story, Hershey Trolleyworks, and much, much more await.

A variety of pricing options for educational sessions, the exhibit hall and meals are available to fit any budget.

Concussions in Youth Sports: 

Resources for the Park and Recreation Professional

written by Erin Regenfuss, PRPS Marketing & Training Coordinator  

Act 13, signed by Gov. Tom Corbett in February, enacted a sweeping set of changes for how the oil and gas drilling industry operates within Pennsylvania, including creating an impact fee and, most controversially, dictating what municipalities can and cannot include in their zoning standards for gas drilling.

A lawsuit was filed in March by seven municipalities, a Monroeville doctor, and environmental activists from the Delaware Riverkeeper Network; challenging the zoning provision primarily, arguing that the new law prevented local officials from protecting the health and safety of their residents. Attorneys argued during a June hearing that allowing drilling activities in areas the state proscribed will make it difficult for local governments to protect their residents, and that the statute allows the drilling industry privileges in permitting and land use that others do not have.

A ruling issued July 26 by a panel of Commonwealth Court judges strikes down a set of zoning restrictions approved in Act 13. The ruling declared the zoning provision null and void. A separate provision that allows state environmental officials to waive setback requirements for gas wells was also overturned.

The majority opinion states that requiring municipalities to change their zoning rules in a way that would conflict with their development plans "violates substantive due process because it does not protect the interests of neighboring property owners from harm, alters the character of neighborhoods and makes irrational classifications - irrational because it requires municipalities to allow all zones, drilling operations and impoundments, gas compressor stations, storage and use of explosives in all zoning districts, and applies industrial criteria to restrictions on height of structures, screening and fencing, lighting and noise." "If a municipality cannot constitutionally include allowing oil and gas operations, it is no more constitutional just because the Commonwealth requires that it be done," the opinion states. 

Taken from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 26, by Laura Olson. 

 

 

Triple-Impact Competitors® have Double Vision" - the ability to look both inward and outward for the betterment of the team.

The inward view is "Mirror Time," an internal scan of what is going on inside you, including taking a hard look at your feelings and taking personal responsibility for your actions. The outward view is "Window Time," an external scan that involves focusing on what is going on with your team and your teammates so you can help them be successful.

Triple-Impact Competitors ask whether it is Window Time or Mirror Time. The answer depends on what your team needs in the moment. Sometimes it's a Mirror, and sometimes a Window. Sometimes it can be both at once.

In addition to traditional awards, such as most valuable player, consider rewarding players for more than just their sheer athletic accomplishment. Use rewards to positively reinforce desired character traits and behavior, such as exerting maximum effort, overcoming adversity and filling teammates' Emotional Tanks.

With a little imagination and close attention to what each player brings to your team, you could probably honor every player in every game. Think about symbolic rewards, including the dirty shirt award to the player who hustles the most, or a hard hat for your hardest worker.

Coaching Your Own Kids 

SAVE THE DATE! 

The Road to Making a Difference Starts with PRPS!

Click here for the conference session proposal form.

Non-PRPS Trainings

Our online certificates and courses are provided by expert instructors. 

Just click here to see all the courses and certificates.