NACPRO News

January 16, 2024

The Best Charcoal Grill Sale of the Year is Here
Courtesy of Pilot Rock

We are celebrating the new year with a new sale! Buy One, Get One Half Off Price on ANY charcoal grill during the month of January. This sales event includes ALL charcoal grills including wheelchair accessible grills, stainless steel grills, large group grills, and more.

This deal ends January 31, 2024.

For more information:
https://www.pilotrock.com/bogo50-charcoal-grills/

ODNR dedicates Metroparks Toledo property as 145th state nature preserve
Courtesy of the Highland County Press

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently joined Metroparks Toledo to dedicate Blue Creek Limestone Glade as Ohio’s 145th state nature preserve. The new preserve harbors several globally rare habitats for plants and wildlife. 

“State nature preserves offer Ohioans a chance to connect with the extraordinary beauty our state has to offer,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. “Protecting and preserving these areas is an investment in Ohio’s public lands not only for Ohioans today but for future generations as well.”

“Our staff has known for a while that the glade was something special, and now it is officially recognized as one of Ohio’s natural gems,” said Metroparks Toledo Director Dave Zenk. “This is a testament to our team, a great working relationship with ODNR and the citizens of Lucas County who have a long history of supporting conservation of our natural resources.”

Read more:
https://highlandcountypress.com/headlines/odnr-dedicates-metroparks-toledo-property-145th-state-nature-preserve#gsc.tab=0

NRPA’s 2023 The Economic Impact of Local Parks Report

Just how significant is the impact of local park and recreation agencies on the U.S. economy? To answer this question, NRPA joined forces with the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University in 2015 to conduct the first nationwide study on the economic impact of local park and recreation agencies’ operations and capital spending. Since then, NRPA and the Center for Regional Analysis have partnered four more times to update that landmark research.  The report also includes a state-level analysis that highlights the economic impact of local parks in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Read more: 
https://www.nrpa.org/economicimpact/

Weighing the Benefits of Organic Management of Natural-Grass Fields
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business

By Jefferey Spivey

For parks teams that may be weighing a transition to organic management, Naumoff Shields says that the decision might be easier once municipalities see proof of concept across the country. “When there’s other cities doing it, I think it’s normalized. Because it’s been normalized now that we need a green lawn, and that’s what makes our city look nice. But it could be normalized in a different way, too, that we appreciate the wilder grasses, or a more natural-looking landscape, or even something that we’re familiar with that’s just managed in a different way.”

Harriman suggests tying the organic-management decision to safety. “That’s safer for the workers, safe for the community, better all around, safer for the whole supply chain.”

Read more:
https://www.prbplus.com/weighing-the-benefits-of-organic-management-of-natural-grass-fields/

Planning and Designing Cross Country Skiing and Winter Trails in an Era of Climate Change
Courtesy of American Trails

As winter activities become more popular, traditional locations have less predictable snowfall, emphasizing a need to re-think the planning, design, and management of Nordic skiing and winter-based trail systems. Based on examples from across the United States and internationally, this presentation will review fundamental trail design considerations for skiing and winter trails, with new techniques and approaches to address issues of warmer winters and less snowfall.

Read more:
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/planning-and-designing-cross-country-skiing-and-winter-trails-in-an-era-of-climate-change?blm_aid=24243

Active Shooter Preparedness in Parks
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business

By Josh Campbell

Prior planning and running “what-if” scenarios will increase your effectiveness. Each park has its own identity, so each scenario will play out differently; however, the immediate goals remain the same. First, action must be taken to determine if measures can prevent an attack, stop an event if it starts, and save victims throughout.  While such incidents are rare, it's essential to have a comprehensive plan to respond effectively. Here are some steps to consider...

Read more:
https://www.prbplus.com/active-shooter-preparedness-in-parks/

Tips for Addressing Climate Anxiety in Youth
Courtesy of eePRO

By now, many of us have experienced the impacts of climate change like wildfires, floods, drought, heat waves, storms, and more. These experiences make it vital to talk to young people about climate change, but can also make it more challenging, as the topic is linked to traumatic experiences and anxiety.

Here are a few tips to talk about climate change with young people in a trauma-informed way, whether you are an educator, parent, or anyone else.

Read more:
https://eepro.naaee.org/community/blog/tips-addressing-climate-anxiety-youth

How highway underpasses can be urban assets 
Courtesy of FHWA

By Joseph Tso

An excellent example of highway revitalization is in San Francisco, CA. Here, a transformation has occurred that challenges the traditional view of highways as disruptions to local culture and community coherence. Previously overlooked and blighted underpasses, once seen as barriers dividing the city, have been reinvented as vibrant parks. Progress Park, nestled beneath I–280 in the burgeoning Dogpatch neighborhood, was once a fenced-off area filled with rocks and debris. Today, it’s a community park where neighbors play bocce, dog owners bring their pets, and workout groups gather. This transformation has fostered community cohesion and turned once divisive underpasses into vibrant arteries of community engagement and recreational activity.

Read more:
https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/winter-2024/06

2024 Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Technical Assistance Opportunity  
Courtesy of the National Park Service

NPS-RTCA assists communities and public land managers in evolving climate resiliency strategies, developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors. 
 
Eligibility: We welcome applications from community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Application deadline: March 1, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

For more information:  
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/apply.htm

NPS-RTCA Informational Webinar 
Thursday, January 25 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET | 12:00-1:30 p.m. PT 

Join the informational webinar to learn more about NPS-RTCA and the 2024 application process. Do you have an idea for a park, trail, or conservation project? Could you use help building organizational capacity for your outdoor recreation and conservation efforts? The National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) is here to help with planning, design, and technical expertise.

Register here:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=urWTBhhLe02TQfMvQApUlC_vQHOD1SpCjr_z09P7xShUMVBHT0VONk1HQUZJM01HSjVVVlNUMVRNOS4u

Transforming the Santa Monica Airport Into a Great Park
Courtesy of Planetizen

CALIFORNIA - In a major move towards closing the Santa Monica Airport, the Santa Monica City Council recently approved an agreement with Sasaki Inc. to evaluate current site conditions, gather public input, and propose future options for the airport land centering around the concept of a “Great Park”. Sasaki, Inc. is an interdisciplinary architecture, planning, landscape, and design firm. The 227-acre airport property represents almost five percent of the city's total land area. 

Read more:
https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/01/126902-transforming-santa-monica-airport-great-park\

The Bureau of Land Management’s Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation
Courtesy of American Trails

The Blueprint presents several major shifts in how the agency prioritizes and supports outdoor recreation. The BLM is committed to durable change, which means it must work closely with communities and partners to respond to varying recreation opportunities and pressures and seek continuous program improvements. Importantly, the Blueprint advances the “U.S. Department of the Interior Equity Action Plan” and builds on prior work through the “Connecting with Communities: BLM Recreation Strategy,” offering a new path forward that promotes equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Read more:
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/the-bureau-of-land-managements-blueprint-for-21st-century-outdoor-recreation?blm_aid=24243

GP RED is now ActivEnviro! 

It has been a year of exciting ideas, growth, and change, and we are proud to announce that as of January 1, 2024, GP RED has now become ActivEnviro. This evolution has been the result of many months of suggestions, brainstorming, domain research, and voting by our Operating and Advisory Boards, marketing team members, and many other great minds. We thank you all for your involvement!

ActivEnviro continues our same 501(c)(3) not-for-profit mission of providing research, education, and development for recreation, land management, preventive health, alternative transportation and related professionals, educators, associations, and other allied organizations. We fill the gaps that help the professionals who help communities thrive.

For more information:  
https://www.activenviro.org/

Get Recognized With an NRPA Award

Applications are now open for the NRPA Awards. Each year, NRPA honors agencies with Innovation Awards, and individuals with Spotlight Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships. The work you and your agencies do every day makes a positive impact on the communities you serve. 

The deadline to apply for NRPA Awards is March 29, 2024.

For more information:  
https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/

2024 SORP Awards - Call for Nominations

The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Awards to be presented at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference in South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada from May 6-9, 2024. The awards luncheon will take place on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The awards recognize outstanding accomplishments in the field of outdoor recreation planning, management, research, and policy. 

The deadline for award submissions is February 1, 2024, 11:59 pm PT.

For more information:  
https://www.recpro.org/professional-development/national-outdoor-recreation-conference/norc-awards

CAMP for the CAMP Professional
Courtesy of Northstar Publishing

March 12 - 14, 2024 - Atlantic City, NJ

Register now through February 2nd to lock in early bird pricing.

The American Camp Association, NY & NJ is proud to present the 2024 Tri-State CAMP Conference. Do not let our name fool you, our conference covers topics and provides networking opportunity for ALL camps, no matter your geographical location. With over 165 sessions, an exhibit hall with an impressive 313 booths and two incredible keynote speakers there is something for everyone to help them learn and grow as a summer camp professional. 

For more information:  
https://acanynj2024.expotracker.net/home.aspx

The 2024 Special Park District Forum
Hosted by the Three Rivers Park District

Everyone at Three Rivers Park District is so excited to host the 2024 Special Park Districts Forum, and we hope that you can join us.

2024 Special Park District Forum
June 10–13, 2024
Plymouth, Minnesota

Registration is open. Our Early-Bird Special pricing is valid through February 29, 2024.  

For more information:  
https://threeriversparks.2024spdf.org/three-rivers-park-district

Webinar: Take Advantage of Dedicated Active Transportation Connectivity Funding
Courtesy of the Federal Lands Transportation Institute Training Newsletter

Date: January 24, 2024
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET
Cost: Free 
Organization: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

This winter, the Federal Highway Administration will open the first ever application period for the new Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). Now is the time to begin preparing applications. Ahead of the official funding announcement, join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to learn more about applying for the new program dedicated solely to the development of connected walking and biking routes within and between communities. During this webinar, you will learn tips from RTC and partners for taking advantage of this opportunity and perspectives on the importance of having a dedicated funding source for connected trail and active transportation networks. 

For more information:
https://railstotrails-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5617047329101/WN_4LxFINnwTCC4kOeevqtkeQ#/registration

Webinar: Unveiling the New Rural Economic Development Toolkit
Courtesy of the Federal Lands Transportation Institute Training Newsletter

Date: January 24, 2024
Time: 2:00 to 3:00 pm ET
Cost: Free 
Organization: Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

After three years of research, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) will unveil the second edition of its widely regarded rural economic development toolkit to support communities from around the United States looking to diversify their economies through outdoor recreation. Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at ORR and author of the Toolkit, will showcase the dozens of new resources and case studies included in the new edition, before inviting a panel of community experts from around the United States to share advice and strategies for success from their own rural economic development efforts. 

For more information: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VtZkqd00TfiA2eLY0Sx4sw#/registration

Webinar: Understanding Recreational Immunity in Oregon
Courtesy of the Federal Lands Transportation Institute Training Newsletter

Date: January 30, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET
Cost: Free 
Organization: Oregon Trails Coalition

Many folks have heard about recent trails closures related to changes to recreational immunity in the Oregon. Join Oregon Trails Coalition for an informational webinar on recreational immunity in Oregon. What's the law? Where and when does it apply? How have recent court cases affected the current law? What solutions are partners proposing to address the current challenges?

For more information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YwYBzLZmST2C0qv6pr0Few#/registration

NEW - Director of Parks and Recreation
Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Missouri
Compensation based on qualifications 
Application Deadline: Feb 2, 2024 or until filled

Parks and Recreation Director
City of Salisbury, North Carolina
$79,608.29 - $113,839.85 Annually
Application Deadline: Feb 5, 2024

Park Maintenance Crew Chief
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
San Jose, California
$90,868 - $109,963 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2024

Executive Director
Bartlett Park District, Illinois
$175,000 - $195,000 Annually
Application Deadline: Feb 8, 2024

Parks & Recreation District Director
North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District 
Oregon City, Oregon
$145,850 - $196,898 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 22, 2024
 
Parks and Recreation Division Manager
City of Oceanside, California
$105,348 - $141,084 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 26, 2024
 
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Director
City of Encinitas, California
$144,650 - $235,619 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 29, 2024

Senior Park Maintenance Worker
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$81,149 - $98,180 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 22, 2024

Chief of Planning and Design
Great Parks
Cincinnati, Ohio
$111,280 - $167,024 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 22, 2024

Open Spaces Director
Arapahoe County Government
Centennial, Colorado
$126,542 - $202,567 Annually
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Parks Division Manager
City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
$91,204 - $139,437 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 19, 2024

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

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

Got a vacancy to fill? 
NACPRO will post your vacancy on our website and email a copy to our mailing list of over 1100 parks and recreation professionals for a fee of $100 for NACPRO members and $200 for non-members