NACPRO News

December 12, 2023

Tap into  our collective experience.  Send your question and some background to the editor and we will include it in the next NACPRO News. 

Broward County Parks and Recreation Earns National Accreditation
Courtesy of Broward County

FLORIDA - On Wednesday, October 11, Broward County Parks and Recreation joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. 

Read more:
https://webapps6.broward.org/NewsRelease/View.aspx?intMessageID=14487

Four Rivers receives National Inclusion Project’s first-ever nature center accreditation
Courtesy of Forest Preserve District of Will County

ILLINOIS - The National Inclusion Project’s first nature center accreditation in the country has been awarded to the Forest Preserve District of Will County for the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. 

“Expert review of written documentation, program materials, and on-site observation found that Four Rivers met the highest standards for including all community members,” said Dr. Amanda Kloo, director of Inclusive Recreation at the National Inclusion Project. "Four Rivers is not only the flagship inclusion-accredited environmental education center in your community, it is the flagship inclusion-accredited environmental education center in the United States!"

Read more:
https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/news/four-rivers-receives-national-inclusion-project-first-ever-nature-center-accreditation/

Metroparks Expands Live-Saving Swim and Water Safety Initiative
Courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks

MICHIGAN - Drowning is an epidemic that hits low-income families and children of color the hardest, with Black children aged 5-19 five and a half times as likely as white children in the same age group to die from drowning. In Detroit, nearly 80% of children residing in households with incomes below $50,000 do not know how to swim and a substantial 70% of youth have little to no swim experience. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is working with partners to reverse these trends and save lives by increasing access to free swim lessons and lifesaving water skills in underserved communities through the expansion of its Everyone in the Pool swim initiative.

Read more:
https://www.metroparks.com/metroparks-expands-live-saving-swim-and-water-safety-initiative/

Addressing “Hidden Homelessness”
Shared by Steve Madewell

By Jay Yoder

I started doing field work with the homeless population four years ago. I provide support and supplies to people who live in the woods and fields, under county bridges, and along the river and railroads in small towns and suburbs in the Dayton area. Most are single middle-aged white men who grew up here, graduated from high school, and attended trade or professional schools. Some are veterans. Many have been living outside for several years. 

Providing help is a challenging project. This cohort is small in number, mostly hidden from view, and deeply traumatized. They are fearful, addicted, and appear anti-social. They may resist attention and assistance until you build trust over time. They are fragile in many ways, have low self-esteem, and expect little help from anyone. I have learned that they deeply appreciate genuine care and assistance. It is possible to help improve their lives. It is worthwhile and satisfying work. 

Read more:
https://www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices/voices-addressing-hidden-homeless/X4FJQEAZ4FCQHBC3UOK6N6V2GI/#

How Design Can Help Mitigate Extreme Heat
Courtesy of Planetizen

By Sheba Ross, Sammy Shams

This year, the world experienced the hottest summer on record with temperatures in July, August, and September reaching up to one degree Fahrenheit higher than prior years. 

As the global population continues to rise and the planet gets warmer, we’ll need more buildings and better cooling, and we’ll face bigger, more unpredictable weather events. How can we create sustainable solutions to adapt to and mitigate extreme heat through design? 

Read more:
https://www.planetizen.com/features/126610-how-design-can-help-mitigate-extreme-heat

NRPA Recommended Guidelines for Credentialing Volunteers

NRPA has reviewed the resources of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners and sought the counsel of recognized background screening experts to develop a set of Recommended Guidelines for Volunteer Background Screening in park and recreation settings. The goal of these recommendations is to make communities safe by advancing optimum volunteer management practices.

Download here:
https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/308fd59c1c6e463c95da1532d5d7944d/nrpa-bib-recommended-guidelines-for-screening-volunteers.pdf

The Battle of the Bully
Courtesy of Camp Business

By Jason Schaitz

Bullying can happen anywhere, and the dynamics can be complex. To put preventative measures in place to tackle incidents of bullying effectively, it is important to know what to look for as the clear signs that bullying may be occurring.  Some incidents may not reach the level of bullying in the beginning, but if they are not addressed and resolved, they can quickly become more harmful to a child, so pay attention, especially if the behavior persists. 

Read more:
https://www.campbusiness.com/articles/the-battle-of-the-bully

Green Spaces Benefit Neighborhoods—When Residents can Reach Them
Courtesy of Planetizen

By Diana Ionescu

Adding to the growing body of research about the built environment and public health, Thor Christensen describes a new study in American Heart Association News. The study looked at two metrics assessing green space and walkability in neighborhoods to understand the relationship between them. While previous research indicates that people in neighborhoods with more green space tend to have lower heart disease risk, the new study reveals that this only holds true in neighborhoods that also have high walk scores—in other words, where residents can meaningfully access green spaces.

Read more:
https://www.planetizen.com/news/2023/12/126572-green-spaces-benefit-neighborhoods-when-residents-can-reach-them

Changes Inside And Out
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business

By Jefferey Spivey

Change management is crucial for leaders in any field. Whether it’s adopting innovative technology, navigating employee turnover, or launching new programs, successful leaders are often those who handle curveballs with ease and expertly guide their teams through unfamiliar territory. 

However, evolution becomes more difficult when there are several major changes happening at once. Within California State Parks, Peter Ostroskie knows this all too well. In the latter half of 2023, he transitioned from leading education and programs in the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to an expanded role as Staff Park and Recreation Specialist for the Bay Area District.

“I’m not only running the education side, but I’m now learning about campgrounds and facilities, and all these other different avenues within a park district,” Ostroskie says. He’s also deepening his understanding of partnerships with local businesses, government offices, and other entities to ensure high-functioning parks.

Read more:
https://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/changes-inside-and-out

New State Recreation Economy Rankings Show Growth from Coast to Coast
Courtesy of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

BEA also released data on the economic impact of outdoor recreation in all 50 states. To help showcase these numbers, ORR has developed an interactive map with short summaries of each state’s outdoor recreation economy. 

Read more:
https://recreationroundtable.org/resources/state-recreation-data/

Outdoor Recreation Boosts Economy– Motorcycle Industry Council Report
Courtesy of NOHVCC

Powersports remains a high-ranking component of the American outdoor recreation business, which generated more than $1 trillion in economic output, provided nearly five million jobs, and grew by nearly 5 percent according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. A recent Outdoor Recreation Roundtable webinar – which included the MIC’s Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the Government Relations Office – reviewed some of the 2022 data, showing that outdoor recreation...

Read more:
https://nohvcc.org/november-29-2023-outdoor-recreation-boosts-economy-big-time-motorcycle-industry-council-ride-report/

Apply Today For The 2024 NACo Achievement Awards
Courtesy of NACo

Applications are now open for the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Apply today and celebrate your county's most innovative programming.

 - Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have celebrated outstanding county government programs and services. 
 - Earn national recognition: In addition to earning local media coverage, Achievement Award winners have been featured in NACo's County News, congressional testimony and NACo publications. 
 - It's easy to apply: The non-competitive application process is quick and simple for counties, parishes and boroughs of all sizes. 

For more information: 
https://www.naco.org/page/achievement-awards?_page=1

Reimagining the Mississippi River 
Courtesy of the National Parks Conservation Association 

MINNESOTA - The Army Corps of Engineers is studying the future of Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1. Both no longer serve their original navigational purpose and the Army Corps is conducting a study now to determine what to do with these structures. This includes considering lock and dam removal, disposal, modification or future use opportunities. Building on our decade of advocacy for the Mississippi River here, NPCA is working with local communities to understand what’s possible for the national park, our connection to it and best uses for it.

Utilizing historical imagery, mapping and data, NPCA has created several renderings of the locks and dams in question to help us think creatively and consider all options. 

For more information: 
https://www.npca.org/advocacy/107-reimagining-the-mississippi-river

EXPLORE Act Introduced in the House
Courtesy of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

The Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. This first-ever recreation package debuted with strong bipartisan support of 23 Members of Congress and a press conference on Capitol Hill that featured bill sponsors Congressman Westerman (R-AR) and Congressman Grijalva (D-AZ) as well as ORR Senior Program Director Ambreen Tariq. The entire recreation economy is urging swift passage of this bill so that all Americans can enjoy outdoor recreation and its associated benefits to health, wellness, and economic resiliency.

"This bill prioritizes equitable access – not just physically for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities – but also access to information including open public data and electronic passes," said Ms. Tariq. "It simplifies and makes more transparent how to obtain permits thereby removing additional process barriers so we can get more people outdoors, especially minority communities unfamiliar with the old way of doing things."

Read more:
https://recreationroundtable.org/priorities/recreation-package/

Interior Department Announces New Actions in Support of Nature-Based Solutions
Courtesy of US Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior today announced new steps to utilize nature-based solutions in its efforts to tackle the climate crisis, including the launch of a new tool to make those strategies more accessible to the public. 

In partnership with Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, the Department released its Nature-based Solutions Roadmap, an online tool that will provide the Department, and the public at large, guidance on the implementation of nature-based solutions. The Roadmap includes implementation strategies, project planning resources, and successful example projects throughout the United States.

Read more:
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-announces-new-actions-support-nature-based-solutions

Los Angeles Aims to Shift to Local Water Reliance by 2045
Courtesy of Planetizen
 
Over the next two decades, Los Angeles County will collect billions more gallons in water from local sources, especially storm and reclaimed water, shifting from its reliance on other region’s water supplies as the effects of climate change make such efforts less reliable and more expensive. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted the county’s first water plan, which outlines how America’s largest county must stop importing 60 percent of its water and pivot over the next two decades to sourcing 80 percent of its water locally by 2045.

Read more:
https://www.governing.com/infrastructure/los-angeles-aims-to-shift-to-local-water-reliance-by-2045

Joliet river barrier to stop Asian carp a one-of-its-kind, $1.1 billion project
Courtesy of the River Management Society

By Bob Okon Shaw 

ILLINOIS - The $1.1 billion barrier being designed for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet Township would combine noise, bubbling water and electric shock to keep Asian carp from moving into the Great Lakes. It's a one-of-a-kind system combining deterrents in a way never before done in the cause of blocking invasive species from taking over lakes and waterways.

The first deterrent to entry past the Brandon Road Lock and Dam is expected to be in place within two to three years after the start of construction. The entire project will take more than six years to complete.

Read more:
https://www.dailyherald.com/20231210/news/joliet-river-barrier-to-stop-asian-carp-a-one-of-its-kind-1-1-billion-project/

Metroparks proceed with removal work
Courtesy of Tribune Chronicle

OHIO - Trumbull County Metroparks entered into an agreement with RiverReach Construction Design Build Team at $645,532 for the removal of the Leavittsburg Dam set for 2025. The Metroparks board approved the agreement at its meeting Thursday and planned to have the designing and planning stage done in 2024.

Metroparks Executive Director Zachary Svette said a Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program grant worth $3,203,500 will cover restoration activities and the long-term management of the project site that satisfies Ohio EPA requirements. He said RiverReach Construction also has been contracted for the Summit Street Dam removal in Warren and other dams along the Mahoning River, including in Lowellville.

Read more:
https://www.tribtoday.com/news/local-news/2023/12/metroparks-proceed-with-removal-work/

Webinar: Developing High-Impact Park Partnerships
Courtesy of the City Parks Alliance

Wednesday, December 20 | 2:00-5:00 pm ET

Join City Parks Alliance for this skill-building workshop, which will focus on key principles for creating more effective and well-managed partnerships across both agencies and sectors, as well as guidelines for developing effective agreements.

During the workshop, participants will learn about key principles of successful park partnerships; hear from guest speakers who will share perspectives about their partnerships; and think about steps they can take to strengthen existing park partnerships or approach new ones.

For more information: 
https://cityparksalliance.org/event/developing-high-impact-park-partnerships-2/

Revenue Development and Management School
Courtesy of NRPA

March 10-15, 2024 - Wheeling, West Virginia

Revenue Development and Management School is a comprehensive and unique professional development program focusing on proven revenue management and development techniques. This school is targeted toward agencies that rely on generating revenues. Participants will learn best-practice techniques taught by practitioners who have demonstrated efficacy and success within their own agencies. 

For more information: 
https://learning.nrpa.org/RDMS

2024 Active Living Conference
Courtesy of the Federal Lands Transportation Institute Training Newsletter

March 25-28, 2024 - Chattanooga, TN

The Active Living Conference (ALC) began in 2004 and is a venue for both cutting-edge research and for making findings usable by non-scientists. The conference brings together a diverse audience and provides networking and engagement opportunities for active living researchers and practitioners from many fields. Presentations and discussions focus on the importance of creating healthier communities for all people. 

The 2024 Active Living Conference theme is Play every Day – it’s the Multigenerational Healthy Way! This theme represents a broad approach to the understanding that play, in whatever form, is meaningful, and critical to good health. Creating playful opportunities for people of all ages and abilities is a fundamental component of active living. Building communities that integrate movement into daily routines and facilitate active travel, recreation, inclusion, and sport can make it easier for people to play every day.

For more information: 
https://www.gpred.org/active-living-conference-2024/

American Trails and Eppley Institute Launch Free Foundations of Sustainable Trails e-Course Series
 
This new five-part series of online courses is intended to provide those new to the trails workforce with a baseline understanding of terminology and concepts that give them a solid foundation to support their future trails education and ongoing professional development.

For more information: 
https://www.americantrails.org/foundations-of-sustainable-trails-a-trail-from-start-to-finish-online-training?blm_aid=24243

Parks Interpretive Program Supervisor
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$110,593 - $134,453 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 2, 2024

Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Director
City of Lawrence, Kansas
$137,342 - $203,008 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 8, 2024

Park Ranger I
Orange County Parks
Irvine, California
$23.98 - $30.62 Hourly
Application Deadline: Dec 28, 2023

Division Director of Administrative Operations
Glenview Park District, Illinois
$135,000 - $155,000 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2024

Director of Finance & Human Resources
Macon County Conservation District
Decatur, Illinois
$90,000 - $100,000 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 29, 2024

Parks Maintenance Superintendent
Broward County Parks and Recreation
Coconut Creek, Florida
$91,157 - $145,487 Annually
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Head, Marketing and Communications
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
Alhambra, California
$110,892 - $149,425 Annually
Application Deadline: Open until filled

For more information:
https://nacpro.mcjobboard.net/jobs

Got a vacancy to fill? 
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