PRPS Weekly News

Therapeutic Recreation Institute (TRI) - Register Now!

47th Annual Therapeutic Recreation Institute

June 3-5, 2015

DoubleTree Resort, Lancaster, PA

Do you want to find out what's new in dementia? Come to our Pre-Conference - Understanding the Umbrella of Dementia: Practical Planning for Successful Programming.

At the TRI this year, we have an amazing line-up of speakers and a variety of educational sessions. By attending the TRI you will earn CEUs, network with professionals across the state, and receive on-site recreational resources. Don't miss this opportunity! Register Today!

For the Pre-Conference and all other educational sessions, click here to download the Registration Guide.

For information on exhibiting or sponsorship at the 2015 TRI, click here.

PRPS State Governmental Award presented to Representative Robert Freeman

Representing the Governmental Affairs Committee in the award presentation on the Rotunda steps of the Capitol are (l-r) Gary Smith, Alan Chace, Representative Freeman, PRPS Interim Executive Director Tim Herd, Larry Williamson, and Bill Forrey

Representative Robert Freeman of the 136th Legislative District was recognized on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 for the State Governmental Award by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.

Each year the PRPS Governmental Affairs Committee presents the Local Government Award to an elected or appointed individual or group of individuals for outstanding and significant contribution(s) or leadership in support of some facet of the profession.

Rep. Freeman is being recognized for his leadership in sponsoring HB1052 which provides more flexibility and resources to municipalities to maintain parks through dedicated fees. This bill was signed into law by Governor Corbett last fall as Act 135 of 2014.

PA Youth Track & Field Program looking for Sponsors

The Pennsylvania Youth Track & Field program, formerly funded by The Hershey Company and administered by PRPS for the past 35+ years, is looking for sponsors for the State meet to be held June 27, 2015 at Penn State University. This track and field program is designed for the beginner or novice athlete, with an emphasis on participation, involvement, and the development of physical fitness. If you know of any potential sponsors who would like to be a part of this event, please contact Jeff Hall, State Coordinator, jhall@crcog.net. Volunteers are also needed to help on the State and District level, in order to continue the tradition of this successful program.

Calling all PRPS/PTRS Golfers who like to golf for FUN!

This event will take place on June 2 at the Willow Valley Golf Course.

Invite and bring a friend to play!

Play nine holes to support PTRS and the Arch Street Center. Click here for the information poster about the FUN Golf Evening and to register to golf.

Sponorships for a tee, a hole and prizes are still available at $100 (includes two rounds of golf) or be a $25 block sponsor. Click here for the sponsorship letter to become a sponsor.

Do You Know the 5 Elements of Safe Routes to Parks?

Are routes safe and accessible at your local parks and recreation? Recently, NRPA published a Safe Routes to Parks: Improving Access to Parks through Walkability report that lists five essential elements to take into account when creating safe routes to parks. Find out what you need to know about these five elements and how you can create safe routes to parks on NRPA's Open Space.

Click here to read "Can You Walk to Your Park?"

PRPS Free Webinar:

2014 Amendments to the PA Child Protective Services Law

May 28, 2015

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Register Online!

The 2014 amendments to the Pa. Child Protective Services Law (23 Pa. C.S. ��6301, et seq.) created expanded child protection obligations for park and recreation service providers. These included new employee/volunteer child abuse history and criminal record checks, mandated suspected child abuse reporting and mandatory training for certain individuals and service providers regulated by the Department of Human Services. This webinar provides an overview of relevant provisions and discusses several implementation strategies.

Note: The webinar focuses on park and recreation elements of the CPSL and is not intended to provide a comprehensive legal review.

Presenter:

Peter Erndwein, MS, ARM, CPSI, CPEA, CIH

Director of Risk Control, Delaware Valley Trusts

Park Service Volunteers Recognized With Awards for Service

Thousands of VIPs, or volunteers in parks, enthusiastically help the National Park Service take care of the parks and park visitors. Several volunteers were named as recipients of the 2014 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

Click here to read more.

Greenways & Trails Summit Registration will be Available Soon!

Take a Walk on the Wilds Side

Holiday Inn & Allegheny Community Center

Warren, Pennsylvania

September 20-22, 2015

Online registration will Open June 1.

The 2015 Greenways and Trails Summit logo was created by the Warren County Career Center and AllImage Graphics.

Calendar of Events

For a listing of other events or webinars, click here to view the calendar.

Submit Your Nomination for the 2015 Excellence in Youth Sports Award

The National Alliance for Youth Sports, America's leading advocate for positive sports and activities for children, is now accepting preliminary applications for the 2015 Excellence in Youth Sports Awards.

The Excellence Award is a great opportunity to earn recognition for the work your agency is doing for community youth sports.

2015 Excellence Award winners will receive:

Complimentary registration to the 2015 Youth Sports Congress in New Orleans, La., Nov. 18-21, 2015.
A custom award to display at their facility.
National, state and local recognition.
In-kind contributions from Excellence Award sponsors to use for the support and enhancement of their youth sports program.

Visit http://www.nays.org/awards/excellence-awards for more information or to apply. DEADLINE: July 10, 2015.

Join PRPS!