The Future of Parks Alternative Avenues to Obtaining CEUs
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WINTER 2021
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WISCONSIN PARK & RECREATION ASSOCIATION
The Future
of Parks
PAGE 24
Alternative Avenues
to Obtaining CEUs
PAGE 14
Play For Good
Play brings people together and provides a space where
everyone can thrive. Play shows us our unique talents and
provides a comfortable, equitable space to help us grow,
develop, learn and discover what moves us. Bringing the best in
play, playgrounds, fitness and recreation to people of all abilities
is at the heart of our mission. And we invite you to be part of it.
It’s time to Join Our Movement.
bciburke.com
260 W Main St. • Cambridge, WI 53523
800-775-8937 • leerecreation.com
2 Trademark(s) are the property of BCI Burke Company. © BCI Burke Company 2021. All Rights Reserved.
IMPACT
Editor’s Letter
Professional Development and
Educational Opportunities
ARE Out There
by Jennifer Rzepka,
CAE, Executive
Director
“Necessity is the mother of invention” is an English proverb that implies the primary driving
force for most new inventions is need. But it’s not just about inventions; this phrase also
refers to new methods, new processes, new ways of doing things.
WPRA members need CEUs in order (formerly held in spring) and the for and maintain their certifications,
to maintain certifications through the December 1-3 Leadership Academy. a variety of free CEU earning sessions
National Recreation & Park Associa- In addition to those one-time-per-year that are prerecorded and live, and many
tion (NRPA), including the CPRP, events, there are nine virtual CEU other virtual events already posted on
CPRE, CPSI and AFO. The quantity sessions happening throughout the their website, which is updated with
of CEUs needed and the interval at year, and 20 Regional meetings already even more opportunities throughout
which they’re renewed vary among the scheduled. You can find all dates and the year.
certifications, but what doesn’t change registration information through the Nonevent CEU: There are
is the fact that continual information interactive calendar on www.wpraweb. more ways to earn CEUs than by
sharing, education sessions and profes- org. Remember: Regional meetings solely participating in events. The
sional development opportunities are are free for members and are not Communications Committee article
essential to any park and recreation restricted to those in that area — ALL delves into a lot of other creative
professional, whether they’re holding members are welcome! Currently, options including professional
a designation or not. A passion and the Fall Workshop and Leadership volunteer service! If you find yourself
commitment for lifelong learning to Academy events are planned to be held with too many calendar conflicts
stay on top of trends and new devel- in person, and Regional meetings will to get all your CEUs through
opments is what keeps this profession change back over to live events, too, participating in events, there are still
fresh and vibrant. sometime during the year. many ways you can earn the education
With the cancellation of the 2020 IPRA: WPRA has partnered with and experiences needed to continue
and now 2021 Annual Conferences, the Illinois Park and Recreation your path of professional development.
many have expressed concern about Association to offer members a Please visit the calendar on the
how to still gain those experiences and discounted rate to the virtual Skills WPRA website, the new page that
earn their CEUs through WPRA. On Development Webinar Series. details all our Virtual CEU sessions
page 14, you’ll find an in-depth article There are a total of 11 different this year, and watch the PRMonthly
from the Communications Committee webinars (one per month, February messages for the most up-to-date
detailing many ways to obtain CEUs through December), each offered at information on upcoming CEU event
throughout 2021, including some two different times of the month. opportunities. And, as always, feel
nonevent-related alternatives. Subscribers can participate in live welcome to reach out to the WPRA
WPRA: Even without the webinars or on-demand recordings and office any time if you need some help
Annual Conference, the WPRA has earn 0.1 CEU for each session. navigating all the opportunities out
an incredible offering of intensive NRPA: There is a wide array of paid there for you to earn CEUs. There’s
trainings through the Certified and free training available through the a lot to sift through — but there are
Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) national website. NRPA has a monthly plenty of training options available
course in February, the March 26 Premier Webinar series, offering 0.1 to you.
Aquatic Technician Workshop, the CEU per paid session, a variety of We hope you join us in looking
June 5 Playground Workshop, this target topic learning packages, many forward to a packed and exciting year
year’s October 7-8 Fall Workshop sessions that help members prepare of learning!
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 3
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1-800-367-4440Contents
Volume 48 • Issue 1
PUBLICATION OFFICES
Editor: Jennifer Rzepka, CAE, Executive Director
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association
6737 West Washington Street, Suite 4210
Editor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Milwaukee, WI 53214 President’s Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
(414) 423-1210 • FAX (414) 423-1296 Immediate Past President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Associate Executive Director: Sandy Schueller 2021 Meeting Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Please submit all articles and news releases WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
for publication in IMPACT to the WPRA office
Alternative Avenues to Obtaining CEUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
at office@wpraweb.org.
Time to Hit the Refresh Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR Commercial Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Anthony Iracki, MS, CPRP The Future of Parks… Our Parks Will Continue to Evolve and Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Region Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
WISCONSIN PARK & RECREATION ASSOCIATION
Section Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka, CAE
President: Dawn Comte, CPRP
Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Past President: Jake Anderson, AFO
President-Elect: Shelly Strasser
Secretary/Treasurer: To be appointed
REGION REPRESENTATIVES
Region I: Angela George Cover Contest – Members Only! Ethics Policy
Region II: Jen McCollian Want to see your photo featured on the The IMPACT Committee reserves the right to edit
Region III: Curt Erickson, CPRP, AFO cover of IMPACT magazine? and/or reject any proposed or submitted magazine
Region IV: Derek Donlevy, CPRP materials (stories, features, photos, etc.) based on
Submit your high-resolution ethical principles or other criteria established by
photographs measuring at least 8.5 the committee that are in the best interest of the
SECTION REPRESENTATIVES inches wide by 11 inches tall at 300 association and generally reflect WPRA membership
Aquatics: Ann Moeller, CPRP, AFO dpi to office@wpraweb.org before values. Said ethical principles include, but are not
Park: Stephanie Schlag, CPRP, AFO February 24 for consideration. limited to:
Recreation: Megan James 1. Magazine authors/contributors:
Young Professionals: Ryan Pawlisch Must be a current WPRA member to be a. Must cite sources unless submittals represent
considered. original work.
b. May not realize any direct financial gain.
GENERAL OFFICES
By submitting a photo, you give WPRA permission
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association to publish your name, likeness, image, voice and/ 2. Materials will not be accepted:
6737 West Washington Street, Suite 4210 or appearance as such may be embodied in any a. If they promote items inconsistent with the values
Milwaukee, WI 53214 pictures, photos, video recordings, audiotapes, digital
and benefits of parks and recreation (i.e., smoking,
images and the like, taken or made on behalf of
(414) 423-1210 • FAX (414) 423-1296 drugs, alcohol, poor behavior/language, etc.).
WPRA. You further agree that the WPRA is granted
Sandy Schueller, Associate Executive Director copyright permission to use your submission for any b. If considered to be slanderous and/or negatively
Holly Bloom, Senior Coordinator purpose consistent with WPRA’s mission. These uses personal in nature.
include, but are not limited to illustrations, bulletins,
MISSION STATEMENT exhibitions, videotapes, reprints, reproductions,
publications, advertisements and any promotional
WPRA provides professionals and agencies with
or educational materials in any medium now
Did You Know?
leadership, engaged communities, advocacy known or later developed, including the internet. Did You Know: Following WPRA on all of our social media platforms
and development opportunities to promote the You also acknowledge that you will not receive any allows you to keep up to date with the latest happenings and events
benefits of park, recreation, environmental and compensation, etc., for the use of such pictures, etc., in the Wisconsin Park and Recreation System.
and hereby release WPRA and its agents and assigns Stay in the know and follow us below:
cultural services throughout Wisconsin.
from any and all claims which arise out of or are in
any way connected with such use. @WPRAweb @WPRAweb www.wpraweb.org
VISION STATEMENT
Published January 2021 • Volume 48 Issue 1 • 2021
WPRA strives to improve the quality of life for all
of Wisconsin by demonstrating and supporting
the critical services provided by the Park and DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Recreation profession related to wellness, February 24 for Quarter 2 (Spring Issue), Publication date: mid-April
conservation and social equity.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
High-resolution photographs at 300 dpi; Photos should be at least 4x6; No images pulled from websites.
National Recreation and Park Association Please submit all articles (1,000-word maximum), photos and news releases for publication
22377 Belmont Ridge Road in IMPACT to the WPRA office at office@wpraweb.org.
Ashburn, VA 20148
(703) 858-0784 For more information about advertising in IMPACT,
contact 844.423.7272 or advertise@innovativepublishing.com.
Cover photo courtesy of David P. Burch, PLA
www.innovativepublishing.com
5Living Our
Mission
The world needs more. More Connection. More Movement.
More Community. Play brings people together and helps
communities thrive. It is our passion and our mission to bring
Play That Moves You to the communities we serve. We’ve
been doing it for 100 years and we’re just getting started.
It’s time to Join Our Movement.
bciburke.com
Trademark(s) are the property of BCI Burke Company. © BCI Burke Company 2021. All Rights Reserved. 800-356-2070President’s Perspective
We Are Parks and Recreation
by Dawn Comte,
CPRP
The National Recreation and Parks Association “July is Parks and Recreation”
promotional campaign encompasses what our professional industry was all
about in 2020. Every day, in communities across the country, the people of
parks and recreation provide essential services and make their communities
better places to live, work and play. Many of us found this to be challenging,
but our communities supported us.
The analogy I have been referencing throughout the year is There are great things on the horizon
that we are on a roller coaster ride. I still think roller coast-
ers are fun, but the ride this past year has been wild and and WPRA leadership remains
filled with uncertainty at every twist and turn, hoping this
endless ride will end soon.
stronger than ever before. ARC is
As we reflect on 2020 from the WPRA perspective, we providing direction, messaging,
know our vision and direction were clear. Suddenly, the
unexpected pandemic changed how parks and recreation
transparency and with each year
organizations provided service, managed facilities and creating a better foundation for WPRA.
offered activities. The resonating message throughout the
state was that parks and recreation was a nonessential ser- been initiated and move forward with a few new work plans.
vice, which created uncertainty, concerns about job loss, These include:
frustration and fear. What did we learn as professionals as • Establish WPRA Legislative Platform and engagement
things perpetually worsened? We experienced the communi- • Provide additional professional development opportuni-
ty demand for parks and recreation facilities to be accessible ties and resources for our members
and maintained for fitness and mental health. Work teams • Initiate a diversity work team that provides strategies and
became innovative, rising to the challenges, and people resources for our agencies
found ways to connect and support one another. • Develop communications, engagement and branding
I challenge each of you to meet with your work teams to with our inspiring Communications Committee
develop a list of accomplishments for 2020. Ultimately, orga- • Retain membership and seek opportunities for new
nizations will see how much was achieved and the impacts members and affiliate groups
of these things on your communities. We have learned that • Explore alternative revenue sources
as professionals, we are resilient, flexible and driven to serve.
What we do is essential for social, physical and mental survival. I have had the honor of working with some inspirational
As 2021 begins, reflect, reset and soar. Set new goals leaders and professionals both past and present in WPRA. The
using what was learned and accomplished this past year. most encouraging trait is the engagement and passion within
Take time to analyze and build community confidence, many of our members. There are great things on the horizon
knowing people appreciate and support parks and recreation and WPRA leadership remains stronger than ever before. ARC
and its affiliates. While the strategic planning document is providing direction, messaging and transparency, and with
helps guide direction and measure successes, it is important each year creating a better foundation for WPRA.
for the WPRA Board of Directors to focus on what can be Connecting in person this upcoming year is something we
achieved reasonably each year. As the 2021 WPRA presi- are all looking forward to. Envisioning this is exciting and
dent, it is important that we continue to develop what has somewhat interesting, knowing many of you. Enjoy the ride.
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 7Immediate Past President’s Message
My Wish for You …
by Jake Anderson,
AFO
Happy New Year! My warmest wishes to you and your family, and I hope this message finds
you with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose for the new year. As my favorite musician
Tom Petty once sang, “the waiting is the hardest part,” this past year has tested our patience
in more ways than one and forced many of our great plans to wait.
But in true WPRA style, you and members coronavirus, we are all excited to get back • Writing an article for PRMonthly or
from across the state showed that our to “normal.” I would challenge you to IMPACT on a success story from
profession is comprised of a dedicated, think about what you can do differently, a program/event or highlighting a
relentless group of people who make our what you’ve always wanted to do with your staff member who has done an
communities a better place to live, work department, program or public spaces. So exceptional job.
and play. A heartfelt thanks to all of you much has changed over the past 12 months, • Submit your questions or answers on
who provided creative opportunities for and this is a great opportunity to take some the WPRA Connect Forum — you’ve
people during the pandemic. of the positives we’ve learned from the pan- got great ideas and projects, please
As I end my term as president of WPRA, demic (creative placemaking events, time for share them!
I would like you to know that serving on family-themed events, virtual outreach with • Attend and participate in our virtual
the Executive Committee has been one of nontraditional forms of programming) and WPRA meetings and (fingers crossed)
the most rewarding experiences of my pro- restructure how we do things. in-person Fall Workshop.
fessional career. From working with • Reach out to your neighboring com-
Jennifer, Sandy, Holly and the team from You Become a Parks and Recreation Champion munities, ask for advice, collaborate and
ARC, to our many, many virtual meetings Whether you believe it or not, YOU are a get to know your professional colleagues.
with Executive Board members, Chad community leader and an expert in this field. As I close in on 20 years in the profes-
Dallman, Dawn Comte, Shelly Strasser, to From your education to on-the-job training, sion, some of my best friends are WPRA
the Board of Directors, members of com- you are more than qualified to offer expert friends. We are cut from the same cloth,
mittees, sections and regions, I am truly testimony on the essential need for quality and I guarantee you won’t regret the
grateful for the talent, dedication and per- parks and recreation in your community. The effort in getting to know more of the
severance of our Association. And especially wave of support for the access and improve- WPRA family.
for those that may not yet have taken a role ment of our public spaces and the desire for • Follow, like and share social media
in our Association, but are rock stars in your equitable programs is measurable. Be the posts on your social media channels.
community, providing programs and places champion that your community deserves! Your friends and family are your biggest
for recreation, I salute you! supporters — the more messages they
Along with the challenges of COVID- You Find Your Happy Place see on the important work we do, the
19, working from home, virtual school and So often we find ourselves challenged with better off we’ll all be moving forward in
WPRA matters, my own family was dealt a the grind of being in parks and recreation, our profession.
blow with a medical health emergency with and it’s not for the faint of heart. But I hope
my wife Sara. The outpouring of support that you find balance this year in your work In closing, I’d like to thank you for allow-
from many of you in the form of food, cards and personal life and ask for help when you ing me to serve you in this role. We’ve made
and gifts for my children was amazing, and need it. Even Batman needs Robin, and you a lot of decisions this past year that will
I’m at a loss of words for the appreciation I deserve the help, and sometimes all you need affect the future of WPRA. I’m confident
have for you; in my family’s hour of darkness, to do is ask. that they will be net positive, and I hope
you were there for us, and I thank you. that you feel that we have moved in a
As I end my role as president of WPRA, Give the Gift of Time to WPRA direction of transparency, openness and will-
I’d like to leave you with the following: Our Association is only as good as the effort ingness to adapt and change. I truly believe
our members put into it. I’m encouraged by in the power of our members and this
My Wish for You in 2021 the increase in people running for elected Association, and I look forward to seeing
A Return to Normal Doesn’t Have to Be Normal office and volunteering with the Association you in person in 2021 and celebrate all you
As we anticipate better days ahead in 2021 in different roles. You can support the have done over this past year.
with the introduction of a vaccine for the Association in many ways that can include: Cheers!
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Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 9
stem10 IMPACT
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association
2021 Meeting Calendar
CPSI Virtual Course WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar Fall IMPACT Content Due Winter IMPACT Content Due
February 8 – Dr. Joel Fish August 25 November 3
April 20
WPRA Awards Ceremony Ballot Distributed YPS Webinar
February 11 WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar September 1 November 4
– Blake Theisen
Board of Directors Meeting May 18 WPRA Foundation Fall Office Support Meeting
February 24 Golf Outing November 5
Region IV Meeting September 9
Spring IMPACT Content Due (Park Tour) WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar
February 24 May 19 WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar – Samuel Bauer
– Jessica Rector November 16
Spring Office Summer IMPACT September 14
Support Workshop Content Due Region III Meeting
March 5 May 26 Region I Meeting November 19
September 16
WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar Playground Workshop Board of Directors Meeting
– Natalie Livingston June 5 Region II Meeting and Holiday Party
March 16 September 17 December 1
Bylaws Changes Due
Region IV Meeting July 1 NRPA Annual Conference Leadership Academy
March 17 September 21-23 December 1-3
Quarterly Meeting and Nashville, Tennessee Oshkosh
Region III Meeting Board of Directors Meeting
March 19 July 14 Award Applications Due Region IV Meeting
October 1 December 15
Aquatic Technician Ballot Names Due
Workshop August 1 Quarterly Meeting and Region II Meeting
March 26 Board of Directors Meeting December 16
WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar October 6
Quarterly Meeting and – Lynn Jamieson Region III Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting August 17 Fall Workshop and Park Walk December 17
April 7 October 7-8
Region IV Meeting Wausau WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar –
Region I Meeting August 18 Megan Owens, Ph.D.
April 15 WPRA Virtual CEU Webinar December 21
Region I Meeting – Kate Connell
Region II Meeting August 19 October 19
April 15
Board of Directors Retreat Region IV Meeting
Region III Meeting August 24-25 October 20
April 16
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 11WPRA Virtual CEU
Webinar Series
.1 CEU Per Session
March 16, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm August 17, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm
Service GLOWS Managing Violence in Sport: Excellence
Natalie Livingston in Governance
Lynn Jamieson
Join us for a high energy session focusing
on customer service. This session will Sport related violence regularly occurs at
immerse you in the keys of service and the community level regardless of type of
show you how to create your own unique program. sport, age or gender of participant, level of skill, level of
ability, or other factors. This presentation will include a
April 20, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm discussion of the social issue of sport violence. Several
steps for anticipating potential problems will be reviewed,
The Psychology of Working With Today’s and solutions will be presented to ensuring positive sport
Park and Recreation Participants experiences for players, coaches, officials, parents or
Dr. Joel Fish guardians, and others who enjoy community sports.
Working with today’s park and recreation September 14, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm
participants is a major source of stress
for park and recreation professionals. This session will Ignite the Burned and Stressed Out: How
identify myths and facts in working with today’s park and Leadership Inspires the Disengaged
recreation participants (parents, colleagues, athletes, Jessica Rector
coaches, etc…). In addition, this session will help
participants identify the psychology of park and recreation Employees feel overwhelmed,
participants who are difficult to work with, and offer unappreciated, unrecognized, which
strategies to effectively work with a variety of different decreases productivity, attitude, and performance. As the
personality types. #1 expense to organizations, burnout is an organizational
and leadership issue affecting morale and bottom-line
May 18, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm results. Research shows even the “best place to work for”
Google has 53% burnout. How much is burnout really
Sponsored by costing you? Using her burnout research, Jessica shares
Upcoming Trends in Park
Development how organizations can proactively anticipate burnout,
Blake Theisen teams can stop stress from spreading to other work
and life areas, and how leaders can ignite, motivate, and
Are your parks old and empower employees to build resilience, create a thriving
busted? Before you culture, and tackle uncertainty and challenges without
make them shiny and new, let''s understand what your burnout.
community members want most out of your system. This
session will look at national, regional, and local trends in
park development and redevelopment projects.
Descriptions continued on next page
12 IMPACTWPRA Virtual CEU Webinar Series cont.
Descriptions continued from previous page
November 16, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm
October 19, 2021 Protecting and Creating Pollinator Habitat in Lawns
1:00 – 2:15pm Samuel Bauer
The Art of Staff Training Pollinators have created all the “buzz” lately. In recent
Kate Connell years, pollinator decline issues have caused many parks
and campuses to rethink their management programs,
Creatiing staff trainings can be with a focus on protecting pollinators in lawns. In this session you will
one of the most unactionable gain a better understanding of how you can protect and create pollinator
to-do’s in your legal pad. habitat in your lawn. This includes a discussion of low maintenance
And worse, you might only dabbble in writing grasses which ultimately reduce inputs, benefiting the environment as a
agendas and laying out expectations and whole.
professional development once or twice a
year which leaves you out of practice once it December 21, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:15pm
rolls around. Whether you''re leading temp or
full-time staff, it’s essential to learn how to Advancing Your Career: Understanding the Process
generate ideas, content, and format Megan Owens, Ph.D.
for staff enrichment all year round. This
dynamic session is designed to lead you A person’s path in life can be a winding road,
through in-person exercises and explore which sometimes reflects the twists and turns of a
strategies to make your trainings more career. Multiple opportunities exist for one’s career
intentional, impactful, and organized while advancement, but professionals may experience
leaving with concrete ideas that are unique greater benefits when they reflect and plan. The first step is to
to your leadership approach and employee/ understand the process; then one can assess current and future
operational needs. Spoiler alert: staff trainings professional interests. This session will examine how professionals
will no longer be a marathon talk fest you advance their career and engage in a self-assessment to identify
dread annually but instead a multi-layered current and future goals.
approach that is woven into the every day.
.1 CEU Per Session
Pricing
Member Non-Member
One Session: $25 One Session: $35
All 9 Sessions: $175 All 9 Sessions: $245
REGISTER ONLINE!
https://www.wpraweb.org/virtual-ceu-series
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 13Alternative Avenues
to Obtaining CEUs by Anthony Iracki
As we continue to operate in this “new normal,” it is as important as ever to further
develop our professional skills while caring for our communities.
WPRA has compiled a list of alterna- occurring in your region, as well as CEU Petition
tive opportunities to obtain CEUs in other regions, so you can plan accord- Lastly, NRPA will allow you to petition
place of our canceled 2021 conference. ingly. WPRA members can attend them for CEU credit for workshops,
any region meeting regardless of their classes and experiences not listed in this
WPRA CEU Opportunities home region. These free CEU oppor- article. Petitioning is not a guarantee,
The Professional Development Com- tunities are open to all members. but if you are spending the time to seek
mittee, working in conjunction with out these opportunities, then it is impor-
the Conference Committee, has iden- Professional Service tant to make it part of your renewal
tified a series of speakers who will In addition to attending meetings and process. For more information, visit the
be presenting virtually to the Asso- trainings, WPRA members can also Renew Your CPRE Certification page on
ciation on the following 2021 dates: earn CEU credits through professional the NRPA website.
March 16, April 20, May 18, August service to both WPRA and NRPA. While COVID-19 has disrupted the
17, October 19, November 16 and CPRPs may earn up to 1.0 CEU and way we work over the past number of
December 21. CPREs can earn up to 1.5 CEUs months, the opportunities for continu-
through professional service. ing education have remained. Many
CPSI Blended Course Professional service can include opportunities have gone virtual, and
(1.5 CEUs) anything from serving on committees access to them has become easier and
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Park and boards, speaking at conferences more affordable, as travel, lodging and
& Recreation Association and the and accredited universities, writing for other expenses have been cut out.
National Recreation and Park IMPACT magazine or other periodicals, If you still find yourself struggling
Association, this course is the most serving as a legislative/lobbying repre- to reach your CEU goals, we encour-
comprehensive training program on sentative, to even acting as a CAPRA age you to reach out to WPRA for
playground hazard identification and Visitor. With so many opportunities assistance, as there may be some addi-
risk management methods offered to serve in WPRA, this is an awesome tional opportunities on the horizon
nationwide. A professional must suc- chance to give back to your state associ- for you to participate in. Addition-
cessfully pass the CPSI examination to ation and earn CEUs at the same time. ally, if you do need to petition NRPA
receive a three-year certification. More information can be found on the for credit, WPRA can assist you with
NRPA website. this process and ensure you have the
WPRA Region Meetings proper documentation in line to make
In addition to the above scheduled NRPA CEU Opportunities your case.
dates and training, WPRA Regions NRPA also offers a series of webinars at Remember, our communities need us
will provide additional opportunities their online learning center, which will during these changing times, and it is
for members to receive CEU credits. allow you to earn CEUs year-round. important that while we serve others,
This has occurred in the past at vary- NRPA’s webinars are both free and come we also serve ourselves.
ing region meetings and will continue at a cost, so be sure to double-check
into 2021. Please contact your region- before you sign up. For more informa- Please do not hesitate to reach out to
al representative to learn more about tion, please visit the Online Learning WPRA if you have any questions on any of
what upcoming opportunities will be page on the NRPA website. the above avenues.
14 IMPACTTime to
Hit the
Refresh Button
New Innovations in Day Camp Programming
by Monica Kaskey, CPRP, Recreation Supervisor, Pewaukee Parks & Recreation Department
More and more, there seems to be an unwritten understanding that recreation
professionals should be able to creatively provide new and exciting programs to their
respective communities each season. And, unsurprisingly, day camp is no exception.
So, after years of running similar camp Luckily, YouTube makes it easy for us to And if you’re still running into road-
themes, how do we find new ways to keep find what is popular by listing a “Trend- blocks, there are several helpful online
camp interesting for us as programmers ing” link option, as well as categorized freelance services. With www.fiverr.com,
and for our campers and staff? topics to help narrow searches. you are able to find people willing to do
First and foremost, we need to remem- YouTube also has a YouTube Kids app the work for a small fee.
ber those we are serving and what is that can be subscribed to. Through this Teachers Pay Teachers (www.
important to them. app, you can choose various age groups teacherspayteachers.com) offers hundreds
For most of us, our target audience is and interests to see what types of things of lesson plans and learning tools available
elementary school children. And for chil- are trending in movies, music, gaming as immediate digital downloads for a very
dren of that age, pop culture can be quite and more. nominal fee.
influential. What children see on television Pinterest is also a fantastic way to gain Finally, if you just don’t want to let
and online is ever-changing, and trending insight into what is popular with kids. your favorite themes go, or if you know
topics and themes can move in and out of Simply searching “kid’s birthday parties” that children will continue to love them,
their lives at a very rapid pace. will bring you thousands of themes that don’t be afraid to add something new and
So, offering camp themes like “Mad are trending. And many profiles will also interesting or a surprise twist.
Scientists,” “Outer Space” and “Under the have activity ideas and photos to help create As an example, during your “Mad
Sea” can still be novel and fun for new daily activities for your campers. Scientists” week, you can have a mystery
campers. But those kids who are in their Disney Now is another site that basi- guest dress up like a mad scientist and stop
third or fourth year of camp are likely to cally does the work for you. The site is by to play a quick game of “capture the
be less interested. simple to navigate and has tons of trend- test tube.” Or you can combine themes
And while there is no shortage of theme ing topics that are specifically geared and celebrate “Christmas in Outer Space”
ideas, how can we determine the most toward children. with activities like a rousing game of
relevant topics for today’s campers? Of course, determining your theme is “kickmoonball,” pitting alien elves against
Here are some tools you can use to just the beginning. human elves.
broaden your programming: Once you choose something you have Even slight modifications will keep
First, take advantage of trending not done before, the task turns to pro- things fresh for everyone, including new
technology. gramming the theme’s activities! campers, returning campers and camp staff.
According to www.globalreach.com, You will likely find lesson plans and With a little research, a few helpful
YouTube is the second largest search engine examples of activities on sites like Pinterest. resources and a spark of creativity, you can
and second most visited site after Google. But if you are simply too busy to come up keep your summer camps exciting year
Children now look at YouTube for the lat- with new plans, you can enlist the help of after year.
est and greatest in relation to their world, camp counselors, previous campers, school
and there is no shortage of social media teachers, aides or even college students You can reach Monica Kaskey at
influencers appealing to children. studying education. kaskey@pewaukee.wi.us.
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 15Commercial Corner
New Playground Products for Children of All Abilities
Boland Recreation, exclusive sales company for Miracle Recre-
ation in Wisconsin, is pleased to announce that the new Miracle
Museum products are now available.
Designed unlike anything in the market today, Miracle
Museum offers an inclusive, hands-on play experience focused
on sensory discovery. Miracle Museum is a new-to-the-
playground-industry children’s museum experience that gives
kids the chance to engage in fantastical sensory events.
Children touch, listen, see and play their way through this
mesmerizing collection of products.
Each product in the Miracle Museum line was designed to be
enjoyed by children of all abilities, including those with autism,
developmental delays and those who use mobility devices. All of
the products in the collection were designed with play experi-
ences that surprise kids and draw them in for hours of play. To learn more about these new products, you can visit www.
Most of the Miracle Museum products do not require surfac- miracle-recreation.com or contact your local salesperson, Ashtyn
ing; they can convert underutilized spaces into sensory-rich play Damas, at bolandrecwi@mediacommbb.net or (608) 438-5317
areas — think parking lots, old basketball or tennis courts, and to discuss how we can assist you with any upcoming projects.
more. Only the Momentum Corridor requires surfacing. Like us on Facebook at Boland Recreation.
Gerber Leisure Looking Forward reopening of play spaces is done safely and swiftly, including
Keeping Playgrounds Safe the introduction of the Play Healthy™ Hand Sanitizer Station
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, children and fami- to provide a way for all park and playground visitors to access
lies have been eagerly waiting to get outside and back to the hand sanitizer before and after play. The large capacity con-
playground. And as many communities have reopened their tainer means less frequent refills for maintenance personnel,
parks and playgrounds, we want to support those efforts to and the solid construction will hold up to repeated use.
Play Healthy™. That’s why we’ve pulled together resources
from our partners, which provide guidance to ensure the Outdoor Classroom Design Concepts
Now more than ever, there is a need for outdoor learning
environments that provide plenty of space between students
as communities safely get back to learning in person. With
our innovative equipment and design expertise, we can cre-
ate a functional outdoor space that will serve both as an
innovative outdoor classroom and an interactive learning
area. By utilizing playground equipment elements, you can
reinvent your traditional indoor classrooms and bring them
outdoors! Outdoor classrooms will allow you to create more
space to spread out for students, create variation in your
teaching forms, provide a much-needed mask break and pro-
vide children the opportunity to experience the benefits of
outdoor learning.
Trane Park Makes Great Progress
Installation continues in La Crosse as Trane Park moves
ahead to becoming the first all-abilities park in the region.
The Smart Play® structures are in place and We-Go-Round is
ready for all visitors to enjoy, while the Custom Wave Climb-
er and multiple hill slides are in place in the “bowl”! Reach-
ing for a grand opening by late May 2021, progress on this
expansive park is moving along wonderfully, and we are able
to see the careful, deliberate planning come together to envi-
sion the park that will serve guests of all ages and abilities!
16 IMPACTHow to Prepare the Next Generation of Parks and Enable Them to Be Accountable
Rec Leaders in the Digital Era Millennials are goal-minded. They want recognition for their
by Brian Stapleton, CivicRec® Product Manager accomplishments, but only because they continually want to set
There is a shift taking place in parks and recreation offices across and achieve new goals. Ensure you have a system in place that
the nation. The change is in response to a much more power- provides transparency into your department goals and ensures all
ful force — a tsunami, in fact. The Silver Tsunami, or the mass participants can actively monitor individual and aggregate progress
retirement of baby boomers, is impacting local governments of toward those goals. Such individual documentation and reporting
every size and type. As a result, local governments are seeing a will be vital when it is time for employees to receive their annual
demographic shift in both public leadership and administra- performance evaluation and when they are eligible to be assessed
tive staffers, from experienced and established baby boomers to for advancement opportunities.
young-blooded millennial employees.
Parks and recreation directors and staffers represent a signifi- Enable Digital Self-Sufficiency
cant component of this municipal leadership shift. While baby Millennials are often referred to as the “I will find it right now” gen-
boomer-aged staff are retiring, younger, former athletes, coaches eration. Growing up with smartphones in their hands, they are the
and citizens looking for an active lifestyle in which they will spend generation that turned Google into a verb and can’t sit still without
less time behind a desk and more time in the sunshine are joining checking in on social media or finding an answer as soon as a ques-
the ranks of parks and rec staff. tion passes someone’s lips. Millennials are not the generation to call
To adapt to the demographic shift in parks and rec teams, or stop by an office and wait for an answer. They want to obtain the
department leaders must offer their younger, more tech-savvy information they seek themselves, any time from any device. This
employees the kind of advanced technology that rivals what behavior not only defines them as consumers and citizens but as
private-sector employment competitors offer their staffs — the employees and civic leaders.
kind that will enable goal-oriented millennial employees to feel Parks and rec leaders should give millennials the tools they
that they are making a difference. If your parks and rec department need to self-service their job functions, act collaboratively and
wants to hire and retain competitive millennial staff, read on to obtain information immediately. Such systems should include
learn what you can do this year to meet their digital expectations. online calendar scheduling tools and the ability for coaches and
instructors to sign participants up for events and track signed
Update Your Parks and Rec Tech waivers digitally (don’t even think about asking a millennial to
According to Pew Research Center,1 as of 2018, millennials, track printed camp waivers).
defined as those born between 1981 and 1997, became the largest
generation in the U.S. labor force. Unlike any of the generations Help Them to Be Lifelong Learners
that preceded them, millennials grew up in a digital world with Millennials never want to quit learning. Perhaps this stems from their
the convenience of the internet and Wi-Fi enabled devices at their “let me Google it” mindset, or maybe it is fueled by their desire to
fingertips. According to the State of the Connected Customer sur- improve and achieve new levels of success. Millennials will feel most
vey from Salesforce, 71 percent2 of workers expect their employer comfortable and supported as a member of your administration if
to provide the same level of technology as they use in their you provide them with on-demand training resources and educational
personal lives. A study by Microsoft and SurveyMonkey further opportunities. Consider leveraging an online learning management
found that 93 percent3 of millennials list modern and up-to-date system (LMS) for annual recertification training, health and safety
technology as one of the most important aspects of a workplace. education, and even new hire orientation requirements.
To retain the highest quality millennial staff and give them the
tools they want to excel in their positions, parks and rec depart- Conclusion
ments should provide their personnel with the types of enterprise Millennials are taking over the public and private sectors, and they
mobility solutions that will allow them to work collaboratively, have the natural inclination and drive to be successful. By accom-
efficiently and impactfully. modating their desire to leverage data and technology to be efficient
Such technology access should include cloud-based software and make informed decisions, you can give the millennials making
solutions that will allow field workers to monitor and track work an impact in your parks and rec department the ability to lead your
they complete in the field, on-site administrators to check in cus- community to new heights.
tomers, manage event registrations and track class participation from Contact Brian at stapleton@civicplus.com for more information.
any facility or park in the community.
Sources
Show Them the Stats 1 www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/11/millennials-largest-
Millennials are data-minded and driven by statistics. Ensure your generation-us-labor-force
administration has tools in place to aggregate data that can be 2 www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2019/07/03/
analyzed and used to inform decisions. Millennials, especially understanding-millennials-and-technologys-role-in-the-workforce-part-
administrative staff, will want everything from post-event survey one/?sh=289d92352034
data to registration trends to seasonal revenue projections all 3 www.cio.com/article/3082775/millennials-are-shaking-up-workplace-
available digitally and on-demand. communication.html
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 17Commercial Corner
Riverlife Park
Wausau, Wisconsin, is home to Riverlife Park — a destina-
tion park and playground that was designed as part of the
Wausau Riverfront Development. Stantec worked with the
City of Wausau to transform a nearly half-mile brownfield
redevelopment along the Wisconsin River shoreline into a
regional recreation and entertainment destination for people
of all ages and abilities.
The children’s playground section includes several mod-
ern, fun takes on playground classics, and less than five
other playgrounds exist like it in the United States. Ultimate
Playgrounds provided and installed the Kompan play equip-
ment, including a sky walk with three sky cabins that takes
center stage, giving kids a bird’s-eye view of the park and the
riverfront. Kids can enter the sky walk from the Corocord
climbing nets below each of the sky cabins and get back
down using the 10-foot-tall tube slide. Additional climbing
nets and boulders are also found throughout the park along
with swings and spinners.
The park includes a feature that is particularly unique
— a timed Challenge Course by GameTime designed for
kids 13 and older. Kids can race against a clock through
ninja-inspired obstacles to try to beat their friends’ times
or set their own personal best. Younger kids, ages 2-5, can
enjoy some of the smaller play equipment, such as a
Corocord Toddler Wave and Kompan Spinners, Hoppers,
Spica, Speeder and Stinger. To ensure safety, the entire
park incorporates DuraPlay’s colorful poured-in-place rub-
ber surface that provides cushioning and consistent fall
protection throughout.
Kids aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a fun day at the
playground. Adults can get a workout in at the outdoor fit- friends can grab refreshments at the concession building and
ness area, which includes several cardio and static weight enjoy several landscaped areas with picturesque views of the
machines. And after a long day of playing, families and revitalized riverfront.
KL Engineering Selected to Design Greenfield’s from KL Engineering will be leading the effort with the city
Powerline Trail on this great project.
KL Engineering is excited to be partnering with the City
of Greenfield to design the Powerline Trail: Phase 1. The
project is partially funded through the WisDOT Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, a grant
obtained by the City of Greenfield with KL Engineering
leading the grant writing and application efforts for the city.
Powerline Trail: Phase 1 is a 3-mile section of a major
east-west, multimodal corridor known as the “Route of the
Badger” within the national Rails to Trails corridor. The
10-foot-wide multimodal path will be constructed within
a 200-foot-wide WeEnergies utility corridor spanning from
Milwaukee County’s Oak Leaf Trail to South 60th Street
within the City of Greenfield.
KL is excited to have the opportunity to be part of this
major east-west alternative transportation corridor in south-
east Wisconsin. Lynda Fink, PLA, and Josh Mercier, PE,
18 IMPACTKeeper Goals Provides Bleachers, Goals, Backup Netting the Edgewood College Soccer and Lacrosse Field at Reddan
and Team Shelters for the New Edgewood College Soccer Park in Madison, Wisconsin.
and Lacrosse Field at Reddan Park Reddan Park has been a great client of Keeper Goals for
Edgewood College and the Madison Area Youth Soccer Asso- many years. Keeper Goals was thankful for the opportunity
ciation (MAYSA) recently partnered to build a new turf field, to add to the equipment at Reddan Park and work with
Edgewood College and MAYSA on this project.
Keeper Goals provided a hoist-able backstop net system
for soccer and lacrosse, team shelters, soccer and lacrosse
goals, a press box and bleachers. Keeper Goals worked with
Midwest Sport & Turf Systems, who supplied the turf, and
H & H Civil Construction, who did the installation.
“The field Edgewood College and MAYSA built is first rate.
Youth and adult soccer and lacrosse players from the Madison
area, as well as the Edgewood College athletes, will enjoy train-
ing and competing at this beautiful facility for many years. We
applaud Edgewood College and MAYSA on their partnership and
vision,” said John Moynihan, president and CEO of Keeper Goals.
MSA Professional Services Project Highlights MSA also provided redesign services for 347 linear feet of
Post-Flood Reconstruction Honors Pattison State Park timber boardwalk that was installed over wet areas within the
Centennial – Superior, Wisconsin park. The boardwalks allow for aquatic species and vegetation
Pattison State Park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020 to flourish, undisturbed by foot traffic. Further, MSA assisted
in a particularly meaningful way — with the grand reopen- with the design and preparation of a new pedestrian bridge
ing of beloved trails and bridges destroyed by a flood in June as part of the rerouting of trail away from the river. The
2018. Just more than two years later, park enthusiasts are new bridge deck was raised and widened to accommodate
once again exploring the 1,436 acres of this rugged north- both emergency vehicles as well as the ATVs and UTVs park
western Wisconsin parkland, rebuilt with the goals of sus- employees use to perform maintenance.
tainability and flood resiliency in mind. Located just south This project required close coordination and dedicated
of the City of Superior on WI-35, Pattison State Park is a correspondence with a variety of state and local entities,
favorite for many reasons. including park management and staff, DNR, DFDM, con-
First established in 1920 and reinvigorated by the work of struction crews and local citizens. The result is the success-
the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) thereafter, the park ful completion and reopening of a beloved state park with
is home to Big Manitou Falls — the highest waterfall in the a renewed sense of stability and resiliency that will carry it
state — and year-round recreational trails that wind along the confidently forward. Visitors were officially welcomed back to
Black River and its tributaries. When the river rose to 10 feet in the trails on August 8, 2020.
the Father’s Day flood of 2018, the aftermath revealed washed-
out trails and bridges, downed trees, deep gullies and scour Trillium Trail Blossoms as New Community Favorite –
that reached down to the bedrock. Trails closed, many portions Rib Mountain, Wisconsin
unsafe for visitor use. The Town of Rib Mountain is known for its great outdoor
The Wisconsin Department of Facilities Development and culture and variety of recreational opportunities, home to
Management (DFDM) and Wisconsin DNR hired MSA to Rib Mountain State Park which contains a large, quartzite
lead the design, environmental and construction management rock knob with “ribs” and Granite Peak Ski Area, one of the
portions of the large reconstruction effort due to its experi- first ski areas in North America. Residents and visitors can
ence with other DFDM projects across the state. The project also enjoy water-based activities along the adjacent Wisconsin
consisted of a site survey and designs that rerouted 2,750 lin- River, a number of community bicycle and pedestrian trails,
ear feet of existing trail away from the river to higher ground, and the popular Doepke Recreation Area.
6,150 linear feet of trail widening and reconstruction on the Over the years, the greater Wausau region has invested in
Little Manitou and East Beaver multiuse trails, aggregate a growing network of trails, many of which were constructed
placed on the Big Manitou Falls Trail, trail widening and to fulfill the vision of the Wausau Area Metropolitan Planning
aggregate on the West Beaver Trail, upgraded site grading, Organization’s (MPO) Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, adopted in
underground drainage tiles and the installation of new, larger 2015. As part of this vision, the Town of Rib Mountain real-
stormwater culverts throughout. ized an opportunity to increase linkage within the network and
Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 19You can also read
