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PA Recreation and Park Society
 PRPS Weekly News
Resource Operations Workshop - Register Now!
 
Cabelas Registration is available for the Resource Operations Workshop on October 22, at Cabela's in Hamburg, PA. To register, click here and for the brochure, click here.

Tracks include:
  • Track 1 - Chain Saw Safety Training
  • Track 2 - Turf Maintenance
  • Track 3 - Vehicle & Trailering Laws of PA
Other Workshops
For our other upcoming workshops go to the Calendar of Events or register online.
Park Resource Branch Fall "Work Day"

It's that time of year...Fall "WORK DAY" at the PRPS Office! 
 
Join the Park Resource Branch and other volunteers on Tuesday, September 29 as we clean up the landscaping around the PRPS office. Lunch is provided!
 
If you are interested, please contact Kurt Uhler at parksforeman@smiddleton.com.
DCNR Webinars: PA Outdoor Rec Plan 2014-2019 
October Wednesday Webinars 1:00-2:00 pm
   
Pennsylvania has a new five-year Outdoor Recreation Plan with four top priorities.  Titled Natural Connections, its vision is to create healthy and liveable communities that support jobs that pay and successfully serve the recreation needs of those who live, work, and play in them.  Over 10,000 Pennsylvanians responded to three in-depth surveys.  Residents are calling for access to close-to-home recreation, walkable and bikeable communities, protected lands and waters and well maintained park facilities.  DCNR has used the plan to set new priorities for its 2016 recreation and conservation grants.  
Visit http://paoutdoorrecplan.com/ to view the final plan and executive summary, and click the resources tab to view survey findings and Pennsylvania's new Land and Water Trail Network Strategic Plan. 
 
Because there is so much information to share, DCNR is offering FREE Wednesday webinars in October from 1-2:00 pm.  Each webinar will focus on one priority and cover challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania communities, research findings and best practices.  Special guests already helping to implement the plan will share their stories.  Learn how to use the plan to support your community's planning needs as well as funding requests.  Webinars are FREE, but advance registration is requested.  To register, click here.

Coming Soon PTRS Fall Workshops!

Creating a Therapeutic Activity: Adapt and Anaylze
Masonic Villages at Sewickley
Date TBA
 
Understanding the Umbrella of Dementia: Practical Planning for Successful Programming
October 23 - Masonic Villages at Sewickley
November 9 - York College - Alumni Hall
 
Animal Assisted Therapy
October 23 - EquiTeam Support Services, Dallastown
 
Creating a Positive Vision for Leadership
November 17 - Beaumont at Bryn Mawr
November 19 - Masonic Villages at Sewickley
  
Traumatic Brain Injury
November 20 - PRPS Office, State College
second date TBA

Now Accepting 2016 Conference Proposals! Click here!

Member Request - Clearances as they relate to Teen Rec Programs

I am looking for input from other Recreation Organizations that might be going through a similar situation to ours.  We operate a "Teen Center" program for local kids.  I would like to know how your Recreation Departments are dealing with the issue of requiring Volunteers/Chaperones to have their Clearances.  How do you keep track of who has their Clearances and who does not?  How is this monitored at the events (list/ID badges) when parents come to Volunteer?  If ID badges are created, what type of program/software is used?
 
We operate these events 5 times throughout the school year, and we're just trying to establish a system that is both effective and workable. These events are operated outside of the Recreation Department in one of the local schools. 
 
Please respond directly to Michele Pilotta, Youth Programs Coordinator, Bethel Park Recreation Department by email mpilotta@bethelpark.net or call 412-851-2910.

 Save the Date!   falling_leaves_hdr.jpg
Conference News
For the conference registration fees, click here.
 
Vendor Opportunities
If you are interested in being a vendor, sponsor or advertiser at the 2016 Conference click here for more details. 
PA Recreation & Park Society, Inc.
2131 Sandy Drive, State College, PA 16801
814-234-4272