Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! - WINTER 2020 - AARFP
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The Official Voice for the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (RFP)
WINTER 2020
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
FROM THE AARFP BOARD & STAFF!
aarfp.com
Happy Holidays!
RFP LEISURE LINES | WINTER ISSUE | DECEMBER 2020
INSIDE
TABLE OF
contents
President’s Report ..........................................................4 2021 RFP Course Registration ......................................17
Executive Director’s Message.........................................5 RFP Course Sponsorship Opportunities........................18
Meet An Instructor: Jeremy Sillito..................................6 Ask An Expert: Natural Ice Making ...............................19
THIS ISSUE
AARFP Strategic Plan Update – The Pandemic Pivot ......8 First Wave Pool in North America ................................20
RFP Board of Directors ...................................................9 Marmak Partnership With AARFP ................................21
Join Your RFP Board of Directors ..................................10 Avoiding Accidental Poisoning .....................................22
Renew Your Membership for a Chance to Win! ...........12 Cleaning Rec Facilities in a Post-COVID-19 World ........23
RFP Conference and Trade Show..................................13 Hockey Season, From Behind the
Join the RFP Team of Instructors ..................................14 (Non-Medical) Mask.....................................................27
YES! We’re Back! 2021 RFP Course Schedule ...............16 RFP Associate Membership ..........................................29
Simple Guide for Managing Asset Lifecycles ................30
PUBLISHING INFORMATION
Leisure Lines is the official magazine VALUES
of the Alberta Association of Recreation • Leadership - Furthering our level of
Facility Personnel, published four times professionalism, integrity, and respect in
per year. To contribute articles, contact: the field of Recreation Facility Operations.
AARFP Office • Fellowship - Providing support and
MISSION STATEMENT
P.O. Box 100, networking opportunities to our members
Providing education, consultation and
Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A4 and their communities.
advocacy in Recreation Facility Operations.
Phone: (403) 851-7626 • Passion - Passion for what we do and how
Fax: (403) 851-9181 VISION it contribute to 'Active Living'.
Email: office@aarfp.com To be leaders in Recreation Facility Operations.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance from the lottery funds
distributed by the Alberta Recreation and Physical Activity Division.
Postal Registration: Canada Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40037331 - Calgary, Alberta
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: RFP LEISURE LINES, P.O. Box 100, Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A4
Code of Members shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the following:
• Act ethically and morally
Ethics • Maintain high ideals and integrity in all relationships
• Promote the Mission, Vision, Values and Goals of the Association independently, in groups and
with partners
• Follow the Association's by-laws and laws of the land
• Interact with fellow members and invite prospective members
• Refrain from any activity that may disgrace or may be in conflict with the Association or employer
• In all these ways transmit this Association, not lessen but lift it, to greater heights.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 3 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020
President’s Report CHRIS McKENNA
football.mckenna@gmail.com
Hi everyone! Wow, what a year 2020 has been. We are still amid We are now planning the 2021 Conference. We are hoping that we
this pandemic, with hopefully a vaccine available in the near future. will be able to meet in person, but we are also looking into
I hope everyone and their families are well and adjusting to our attending virtually as an option. A lot of the 2020 Conference
new world. Program from last year will “reboot” into the 2021 Conference
Program where applicable. As always, the potential networking
Unfortunately, as you know, we had to cancel our “in person” with other communities is one of the best reasons to attend. You
AGM for a second time this year. The Board and Staff worked cannot beat the combination of good speakers and good times!
very hard at putting this together for our “Re-Connect” event on
November 21st, but COVID-19 prevented us from doing this once We will be electing our future President-Elect at next year's
again. We, therefore, held our virtual AGM on December 1st. This conference along with the Arena Representative, Parks
was an important step as we are mandated to hold an AGM to Representative, and the Education Representative. Please consider
ensure we are reporting to our membership in a timely manner and nominating some great candidates or even run yourselves for one
to be able to submit our annual requirements to the Province. of these positions.
The Board has decided to extend all Director's terms on the Board As always, I would like to thank all the board members and staff
for an additional year due to all the challenges in hosting an AGM for making my time as President so enjoyable. This is the greatest
this year. Therefore, there are no elections in 2020. At our organization in the world, and it is a privilege to be your
Conference in 2021, we will hold elections as per normal. We will President.
adjust our Bylaws to reflect the change in which year each position
comes up for election. Chris McKenna
AARFP President
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 4 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020
Executive Director’s Report LAURIE DARVILL laurie@aarfp.com
I hope this finds you all well, safe, and able to join family and Looking ahead into 2021, we all know we can anticipate further
friends over the Holidays. Let us hope these unsettling times will uncertainties. We will continue to adjust as best we can, while still
be soon behind us at some point in 2021. delivering on member services.
Unfortunately, with the growing number
of COVID-19 cases in the Province, we
were unable to host our much anticipated
“Re-Connect” event and AGM on
” I am in awe of the
dedication and passion
Upon reflection of 2020, I am in awe of
the dedication and passion demonstrated
by our Associate and individual members,
course instructors, Board, and office staff.
November 21st in Red Deer. Thank you to demonstrated by our Commitment, dedication and willingness
Shawntel Dickinson, Administrative to do whatever it takes is an everyday
Coordinator, for creating an amazing Associate and individual occurrence. Recreation is the best industry,
opportunity to “re-connect” with our and even more so during the tough times!
membership and Associates. I would also members, course It is truly a pleasure to work in this
like to thank our Associate members for instructors, Board, and Industry and with AARFP!
your keen interest in supporting this event!
office staff. Stay safe and stay healthy everyone!
Thank you to all of those who were able to
join us in our first virtual AGM on Dec 1st.
It was very important for the Board to
report to our membership for our 2019 accomplishments.
” Laurie Darvill
AARFP Executive Director
Laurie@aarfp.com
The staff and Board members are deep into the planning for our
2021 Conference. Due to on-going uncertainty with the impacts of
COVID-19, we are planning a hybrid event with the option to
attend in person or virtually. We will continue to investigate
options that best suit our membership and serve the needs of the
Association. Thank you to our partner Alberta Recreation & Parks
Association (ARPA)for sharing their experience with their hybrid
conference hosted in October 2020.
We are proud to support our partner, Alberta Municipal Health &
Safety Association (AMHSA), with a Bronze Sponsorship for their
Psychological Health and Safety Facilitator's Certification program.
Timing is crucial for those struggling with these uncertain times.
Congratulations to AMHSA for recognizing this need and
providing this certification program.
A huge shout out to Rhonda Phillips, Manager Finance and
Operations, for keeping us on track financially in 2020. This past
year provided significant challenges with the inability to run our
courses from mid-March to mid-July, which is our busiest
education season! Even with significantly reduced revenue streams
(at just under 50 % of our budget), we ended our fiscal year with a
favorable bottom line. This was achieved by adjusting operational
expenses, accessing applicable grants, and experiencing a late
season demand for courses this Fall.
Online training has been a massive success for AARFP in our
“new world” and we see further opportunities going forward.
Huge shout out to Sonia Dodd for her work on launching the Pool
Operator Level 1 online course. As well, kudos to Edith Martin,
Tom Hopkins, John Napier and Russ Tanner for their work on the
Leadership Skills (formerly Supervisory) online course which
launched in November.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 5 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020
M E E T A N I N S T R U C TO R
Jeremy Sillito
Interview: By RFP Office Staff
AARFP is pleased to introduce our members to next door (and attached) to the Village Square
one of our senior Pool instructors, Jeremy Sillito. Leisure Centre where I spent numerous hours on a
Jeremy took his instructor training with us in 2015 regular basis in the pool, fitness centre, and
and began teaching Pool 1 courses in 2016. He was gymnasium.
working for the Town (now City) of Brooks at the
time and has since moved on to the Town of Taber What do you enjoy the most about teaching RFP
as their Recreation Manager. classes?
The thing I enjoy most about teaching RFP courses
Tell us about how you became an instructor at is visiting other municipalities and seeing how they
RFP? operate their facility. I love when staff from the
I became an instructor for the association after host facility get to show off their facility and show
managing the Brooks pool for several years. Pool pride in the work they do for their patrons.
operations came naturally to me as I came from a
construction background. Becoming an instructor What do you think is most important for Pool
was recommended to me by my manager after I had started to operators to do/say in their roles?
teach the other staff how to maintain the I believe the most important thing for a
pool equipment properly. pool operator to do is to know THEIR
”
system. Every pool is different in ways of
What is your background as it relates to filtering, chemical adjustments, heating
RFP? I believe the most systems, valves, automated controllers, and
I started out as a part-time lifeguard for supplementary systems. Take the time to
the City of Brooks as a supplementary important thing for a go through the mechanical room following
income while still in construction and the piping system, find out where the water
building my own home at the same time.
pool operator to do is to is coming from, where is it going, where
As time went on, more opportunities know THEIR system. does the chemical adjustments get entered
became available through supervisory into the system. The more you know about
positions as I took the pool operator
courses and became comfortable and
proficient with aquatics and pool
operations, which then started my career in
”YOUR pool, the better operator you will
be.
When a Pool operator is having a bad day, how would you help
recreation. them re-engage?
When an operator is having a bad day, I suggest going back to the
What is your background outside of, or before, RFP? basics. Start with what you know and are certain with, then get
In my youth. I lived in Calgary and worked for a small local advice from those who know more than you for the rest.
landscaping company in the summers maintaining green spaces
and landscaping. I went to Lester B. Pearson high school which is Do you have a funny/interesting/surprising story about
something that you learned while teaching the Pool courses
for RFP?
In one of my course while going through chapter 7, Disinfection
and Oxidization, I had a lifeguard tell a story that one day when
she was teaching swim lessons one of her students was putting
water in his mouth and spitting it out. She told him not to do that
because sometimes kids pee in the pool. The student right next to
him said “yeah, I'm peeing right now”.
What advice or tips would you like to give to our Pool
operators?
For other instructors I would suggest, do not over complicate
things. We don't need to impress our students with our “pool
lingo” and wealth of knowledge. You will gain more trust and
respect if we meet our students where they are at.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 6 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020
A A R F P S t ra t e g i c P l a n U p d a t e – T h e Pa n d e m i c P i v o t
The Pandemic Pivot
By Rob Pelletier - RFP President Elect
Hello fellow RFP members, most passionate group of people that I have ever had
the chance to work with that truly have your best
I would like to start off by commending all of you for interest at heart.
your service in our industry during these turbulent
times. We all have had our lives turned upside down Here is a brief update on the AARFP Strategic Plan.
here, and around the world because of COVID-19, This includes both our accomplishments and the
which has put a strain on our families, our changes resulting from the pandemic:
employment, our leisure time, and our overall mental • Initiating the process of amalgamating 2 Board
health. positions into 1; Secretary and Treasurer
• Reviewing of the Association's operating budget
Municipalities and private organizations have had to to reduce expenses while minimizing the impact
scale back on service levels, staffing and many to services to our members
different areas of funding including training, education, workplace, • Offering of the Pool Operator Level 1 and the Leadership Skills
social gatherings and in many instances, hours of employment. (formerly Supervisory Skills) courses online which now can
The world has had to reinvent new ways on how to get the work reach a worldwide market
done. We here at AARFP are no different. • Working towards other online course offerings
• Working towards the creation of a new programming stream
We are blessed in our organization to have amazing staff and the • Completing of the digital copies of the RFP photo albums
Board of Directors representing you. I would like to list a few of • Continuing access to Stream Reps through the website, Stream
the things that we have done to save money and keep this motor Facebook pages and the new Connect Sessions
running: • Continuing work on the Pool Operator Level 1 and the
• Staff have volunteered to reduce their hours to .8 Leadership Skills manual re-design (almost complete)
• Quick response and roll-out of online courses • Piloting new course materials for Parks & Sport Fields Level 1
• Reduced in-person board meetings (done via Zoom when and 2 and Building Maintenance Level 1 & 2.
possible) • Updating Board of Director role descriptions
• Meeting in-person for when it is important for the organization • Updating the “Code of Conduct” to include the addition of a
• Office staff taking holidays during more opportune times to Harassment and Violence policy
benefit everybody • Changing the Associate Rep position from a 1-year term to a 2-
• Multiple planning sessions and volunteer hours to try to have an year term to ensure continuity
in-person AGM, golf tournament, trade show and awards • Updating to the Association's Personnel Policy
banquet.
In closing, I would again like to thank all of you for your
I would like to give an extra shout out to the Board of Directors commitment to this Province we call home. It is the efforts of
that you, the members have elected. Our Board is not immune to people like you that make me proud to be in the industry that I am
the difficulties faced with this pandemic in their personal and in and proud to live in Alberta.
professional lives. There have been layoffs, lost jobs, reduced hours
of employment and change of support from employers etc., but Your President Elect,
the commitment from your Board has not changed. They are the Rob Pelletier
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 8 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020
2019/2020 RFP
Board of Directors RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL
PRESIDENT ASSOCIATE REP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Chris McKenna, Town of Ponoka Chris Fish, Industrial Machine Inc Laurie Darvill, RFP Office
E: football.mckenna@gmail.com | 403.348.1185 E: chrisfish.aarfp@gmail.com E: laurie@aarfp.com • 1.888.253.7544
587.930.2679
PAST PRESIDENT MANAGER, FINANCE & OPERATIONS
Russ Tanner, Town of Coaldale ARENA STREAM REP Rhonda Phillips, RFP Office
E: russ.tanner@coaldale.ca | 403-359-3288 Allan King, Town of Stettler E: rphillips@aarfp.com • 1.888.253.7544
E: aking@stettler.net
PRESIDENT ELECT 403.741.6356
Rob Pelletier
ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
E: 8675308.rp@gmail.com BUILDING MAINTENANCE STREAM REP Shawntel Dickinson, RFP Office
780.504.2956 Chris Thompson, Cardel Rec South E: shawntel@aarfp.com • 1.888.253.7544
E: chris.thompson@cardelrec.com
SECRETARY 403.869.1450
Scott Hepfner, City of Red Deer RFP OFFICE
E: scott.hepfner@reddeer.ca PARKS STREAM REP P.O. BOX 100, COCHRANE, ALBERTA T4C 1A4
403.304.1420 Umesh Chand, City of St Albert 403.851.7626 • Fax: 403.851.9181
E: uchand@stalbert.ca TF: 1.888.253.7544 • email: office@aarfp.com
TREASURER 780.497.9759
Les Turner, South Fish Creek
Community Association POOL STREAM REP
E: les.turner@cardelrec.com JoAnna Dautel,
403.254.3454 E: jodautel@gmail.com
403.471.2435
EDUCATION REP
Sonia Dodd, Town of Stettler
E: sdodd@stettler.net | 403.740.3471
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 9 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020
AARFP AGM - APRIL 27, 2021
Join Your Board of Directors
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL AGM
Let's try this again! The AARFP Bylaws have been updated to • Participate in the strategic direction of RFP
allow for both an in-person and Virtual AGM, so we will be taking • Introductions to and the opportunities to network with –
nominations once again! This time, nothing can stop us! industry experts, partner associations, politicians, and other
recreational professionals
Providing education, consultation and advocacy for people • Exposure to provincial and national issues and trends in
involved in recreation facility operations. recreation facilities
• Opportunity to take one RFP course per year at no cost
What Does the Board Do?
• Governs and directs the affairs of the Association What Positions Are Available?
• Oversees the financial business of the Association The following positions are available for election at the Annual
• Ensures accountability to the membership in all RFP matters General Meeting in 2021:
• Provides strategic leadership and education in the area of • President-Elect
recreation facilities • Education Representative
• Provides fellowship opportunities • Associate Representative
• Arena Representative
What Are the Benefits to You? • Parks & Sport Fields Representative
• Influence the development of the RFP Association
• Enhance your leadership and communication skills If you are interested in joining the AARFP Board, please CLICK
• Experience in policy development and organizational HERE for the 2021 Nomination Package.
governance
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 10 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY FEBRUARY 15, 2021
For a Chance to Win a 2021
Conference Registration!
DRAW WINNING VALUE: $525
Membership fees are remaining the same for 2021 and if you In addition:
renew by Feb 15th, your name will go into a draw for a free
conference registration (value $525). • Your community will benefit from capable, knowledgeable
facility operators that will ensure optimal safety, comfort, and
The benefits of membership are: enjoyment of your recreation facility.
• Educational and Networking opportunities with your suppliers • Managers will benefit from a well-informed staff that remain
• Opportunity to attend annual Conference on the leading edge of industry standards for excellence.
• Opportunity to attend courses • Companies providing products and services will benefit
• Opportunity to post jobs on our Classified Ads page through opportunities with the current and future clients
• Scholarships and Awards through our functions and publications.
• Phone or Email Tech Support on Operational situations
• Important documents such as policies, annual reports, and For more information on memberships and how to renew, go to
AGM minutes are posted and updated regularly for your www.aarfp.com/mship.html
convenience
• PLUS! Individuals purchasing a membership prior to February
15th are automatically entered into a draw for a free
Conference Registration.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 12 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL
1
R E D D E E R , A L B E R TA | A P R I L 2 5 - 2 7 , 2 0 2 1
RFP Conference and Trade Show
Even with the uncertainty of the Covid impacts as we enter into 2021, RFP is working optimistically on planning
for the 2021 RFP Conference April 25-27. We will be re-visiting our 2020 Conference program and adjusting to
ensure relevancy for these very different times we are all in. As we know how much you value the networking
and camaraderie associated with our annual Conference, we are planning for an “in-person” Conference. There
will also be the option for a virtual component for those who are not able to join us.
The Conference will be held at the Cambridge Hotel
and Conference Centre in Red Deer.
As more details become finalized, we will
be posting updates on our website.
Let's hope we are able to proceed!
We all look forward to SEEING everyone
in Red Deer, April 25-27, 2021!
th
DON'T FORGET: If you renew your membership prior to February 15 , 2021,
you will be entered into a draw for a free Conference registration!
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 13 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020S H A R E YO U R K N O W L E D G E
Join the RFP Team of Instructors
WORKING TOGETHER!
We are always looking for RFP members to join our team of Interested in getting started? Here is what we need from you:
instructors. If you would like to share your knowledge and
expertise and give back to your RFP community, we would be 1. Successfully complete Level 1 and Level 2 AARFP courses in
happy to work together to see how you can come aboard. the stream you wish to instruct.
2. Submit a detailed resume outlining your experience in the field,
As an instructor, you can expand your career horizons as you: your training/instructing history, references, and any relevant
• Refine your presentation skills information you feel are important when conducting RFP
• Attend our instructor development training courses.
• Increase your confidence in your area of expertise 3. If you are selected as a candidate to become an RFP Instructor,
• Meet new people working in facilities across Alberta you will be required to attend and successfully complete the
• Grow your network in our industry “Train the Trainer” course. Our next course is expected to be
• Receive opportunities to attend other RFP courses offered in Spring of 2021. Selection process for instructor
• Proudly wear RFP branded clothing candidates will occur early in the New Year.
• Become a member of our team of experts and leaders.
4. After completion of the Train the Trainer course, you will then
need to complete a minimum of 2 apprenticeships, where you
co-teach two courses for each level of course ( i.e. Level 1 and
Level 2) with a Mentor Instructor.
For more information please contact office@aarfp.com.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 14 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 20202021 RFP 2021 RFP
RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL Course Schedule RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL Course Registration
FEBRUARY 2021 Jun 21-22 AUGUST 2021 CLASS SIZE: COURSE START TIME: FINISH TIME: NOTE:
Parks & Sport Fields Level 1
Aug 4-5
Dependent on facility 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. on the last day * Level II will be required
Feb 24, 25, Mar 3, 4 Cold Lake
Arena Operator Level 1 space due to social to do some after class
Pool Operator Level 1 ONLINE
Jun 21-24 Brooks (CRA) distancing requirements & evening work.
MARCH 2021 Pool Operator Level 2
Spruce Grove Aug 5-6
Mar 15-18 Arena Operator Level 1 • Arena Level 1 • Arena Level 2* • Arena Mtce.
Arena Operator Level 2 Jun 23-24 Calgary (Lake Bonavista) • Certified Swimming Pool Level 1 • Advanced Swimming Pool Level 2* • Curling Mtce.
DeWinton (Scott Seaman) Parks & Sport Fields Level 2
Aug 19-20 • Building Mtce. Level 1 • Lifecycle/Risk Management
Cold Lake
Mar 29-31 Pool Operator Level 1 • Building Mtce. Level 2 $735.00 (includes $35.00 GST) • Custodial
Leadership Skills (formerly Supervisory) Jun 22-25 Edmonton • Parks & Sport Fields 1 • Developing a Policy & Procedure
Lacombe Arena Operator Level 2
Taber Aug 24-27 • Parks & Sport Fields 2 • Supervisory Skills* Facility Manual
APRIL 2021 Pool Operator Level 2
Jun 29-30 (TENTATIVE) Edmonton $467.25 (includes $22.25 GST) $551.25 (includes $26.25 GST) $304.50 (includes $14.50 GST)
Apr 6-7
Arena Operator Level 1
Building Maintenance Level 1
Spruce Grove SEPTEMBER 2021
Calgary (Lake Bonavista)
Jun 29-30 (TBC) Sep 13
NEW SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Physical Distancing:
Apr 8-9
Arena Operator Level 1 Custodial
Building Maintenance Level 2 • Promotion of one-way traffic flow
Red Deer (Gary W Harris) Lacombe
Calgary (Lake Bonavista) • Instructors and Students will bring a mask to wear for when • Seating will be at 2 meters distances
Apr 14, 15, 21, 22 JULY 2021 Sep 14-15 the 2 Meter distance can not be maintained.
Pool Operator Level 1 ONLINE Building Maintenance Level 1 • Instructors will be provided with hand sanitizer and wipes. RFP will ensure the following Rapid Response Plan:
Lacombe Students are asked to bring their own personal supply. • Immediate isolation of a symptomatic person from others
MAY 2021
SYMPOSIUM Sep 16-17
• Instructors will be reminding students about hand hygiene,
respiratory etiquette, and touching their face.
• Consideration of suspension or temporary cancellation of the
event
May 3 Building Maintenance Level 2
Ball Diamond Construction (OKOTOKS) Lacombe
• Instructors and students will complete a screening checklist • Process to contact all people who may have encountered the
Okotoks prior to the start of the course each day. symptomatic person
**NEW LOCATION** Sep 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 Leadership Skills ONLINE
Leadership Skills ONLINE Jul 19-20
Pool Operator Level 1 Sep 23-24 IF you are NOT a current member, you will need to become one before you can register for a course. Everyone has to have a current Membership to attend an RFP course.
May 25-28 Pool Operator Level 1 This membership provides you with benefits such as access to our quarterly newsletters, and several other online features you can check out at www.aarfp.com!
Pool Operator Level 2 Jul 19-20 Cochrane
Coaldale Parks & Sport Fields Level 1
Membership Rates: • Individual: $105 – (including GST)
JUNE 2021 OCTOBER 2021
Jul 19-20 NOTE: ALL MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRE • Facility: $441 – (including GST)
Jun 1-2 Building Maintenance Level 1 Oct 19-22
Arena Operator Level 2
DECEMBER 31st. • Associate: $341.25 – (including GST)
Parks & Sport Fields Level 1
Leduc Jul 19-21 Edmonton
Leadership Skills
Jun 3-4 Oct 20, 21, 27, 28 Pro-rated Membership Rates: • Individual: $52.50 – (including GST)
Jul 21-22 Pool Operator Level 1 ONLINE
Parks & Sport Fields Level 2 AFTER JUNE 30th • Facility: $220.50 – (including GST)
Leduc Building Maintenance Level 2
NOVEMBER 2021 ALL MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRE DECEMBER 31st. • Associate: $170.63 – (including GST)
Jun 10-11 (TBC) Jul 21-22
Arena Operator Level 1 Strathmore Parks & Sport Fields Level 2 Nov 1-4
Pool Operator Level 2
Jun 14-15 Jul 21-24
PAYMENT OPTIONS: Payment can be made by EFT, credit card, cheque, or with a purchase order.
Red Deer
Building Maintenance Level 1 Fairview Pool Operator Level 2 Payment MUST BE RECEIVED one week prior to the start of the course. Payment will not be accepted at the course.
Nov 26
Jun 15-16 Jul 22 Natural Ice
Parks and Sport Fields Level 1 Coaldale Lifecycle/Risk Management Lake Louise
Jun 16-17
Please Note for the 2021 RFP Course Schedule
Jul 23 To ensure the most accurate course listing please refer to the website (www.aarfp.com) for the most current schedule
Building Maintenance Level 2 Fairview
Custodial
Jun 17-18 of our course offerings. If there are discrepancies between the printed version and the website, the website is correct.
Parks and Sport Fields Level 2 Lethbridge Jul 23
Policy & Procedure Manual Dates and locations are subject to change.
Jun 17-18
Pool Operator Level 1 Olds
Courses may be added, rescheduled, or cancelled throughout the year.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 16 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020 RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 17 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020R F P E D U C AT I O N 2 0 2 1
RFP Course Sponsorship
Opportunities Available for 2021
About the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility *Available AARFP Course Sponsorships (w/exam) for 2021
Personnel (RFP) ($2,000/year):
The RFP trains over a thousand people each year. We're good at it. • Parks & Sport Fields Level 1
It's what we do. It's who we are. People across Alberta and into • Parks & Sport Fields Level 2
the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and British • Building Maintenance Level 1
Columbia come to us as an educational resource within the • Building Maintenance Level 2
recreation industry. We run courses focused on operating arenas, • Leadership Skills (formerly Supervisory Skills)
pools, parks, and facilities. Our instructors are some of the
industry's best and brightest and we are proud of that fact. *Available AARFP Course Sponsorships (w/o exams) for 2021
($1,250/year):
We have some amazing sponsors currently and some of these • Lifecycle/Risk Management
sponsors have been committed to this sponsorship for over 20
• Developing a Policy & Procedure Manual
years! What does that tell you? RFP course sponsorship works!
• Ball Diamond Construction
Looking for ROI?
*These sponsorships are available on a first come, first serve
If you are looking for a great return on investment (ROI), RFP
basis and only one company can sponsor a course.
Course Sponsorship is perfect for you. Your company can be front
and centre to students interested in RFP courses.
RFP Course Sponsorship Benefits:
Renewed AARFP Course Sponsors for 2021 1. Company logo on the RFP website course page:
www.aarfp.com (averages 3,500 views/month).
• Arena Operator Level 1 – Startec Refrigeration Services
2. Your company logo on the cover of RFP's course manual.
• Arena Operator Level 2 – CIMCO Refrigeration Ltd
3. Full page ad for the sponsored course manual outside back
• Pool Operator Level 1 (Certified) – Pinnacle Aquatic Group
cover.
Inc.
4. One promotional insert (leaflet, pamphlet, and coupon)
• Pool Operator Level 2 (Advanced) – Automated Aquatics of
included in course manual inside cover.
Canada Ltd.
5. One complimentary RFP Conference Awards Banquet ticket.
• Arena Maintenance – Industrial Machine Inc.
• Custodial – W.E. Greer Ltd.
Interested in sponsoring an RFP course?
Email: Office@aarfp.com
N e w RFP 2021 Courses Now Available Online!
We now have the following courses available online:
· Pool Operator Level 1
· Leadership Skills (formerly Supervisory Skills)
Visit www.aarfp.com to register for great recreation facility courses.
Your RFP membership must be up to date. Renew or join RFP today to
secure your spot!
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 18 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020ASK AN EXPERT – HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUTDOOR RINK
Natural Ice Making
By Umesh Chand
There are preventative measures that you can take Build the Ice:
as you prepare for making natural ice in your Remember your ice will not happen overnight! Be
fields. Follow these helpful tips and add your own patient. Building good ice may take up to 5 to 7
as you train your operations staff. There are days, if you are working a complete 8 hours on it.
always nuances for each rink. Be sure to pass on
your own expertise each season. Get ready:
Make sure the equipment you use on outdoor Once you have a good amount of snow, you can
rinks is ready for the winter season. Each rink start to build a base. I recommend 2 inches
uses different equipment, whether it is a tractor packed snow - this is an easy amount to melt
with a pull behind ice resurfacer, or front snow and freeze with water. Build the ice when
mounted brooms, or snow blowers. Book in early the outside temperatures are between -5 C to -
with your fleet maintenance shop to do a once 10C.
over - this will help with less down time during
the busy season. Use a small piece of equipment such as a riding
broom or similar and pack your snow down this
Facility Inspection Checklist: will speed up the process for your base layer.
• Check your boarded rink - do a walk around inside and out
• Look for conditions like loose boards, screw pops, puck boards, Add water:
players box, doors and hinges, graffiti/vandalism (anything Once you have completed the process of packing down the snow
abnormal) it is time to lay down water. Establish what your resources are to
• Check your lighting and timers, and make sure there all in good complete this process. I use a flood shack at each location, others
working condition have portable water such as water trucks. When you apply the
• Check your back stop fencing for holes and damage water do not apply it aggressively. Use small amounts, just enough
• Check the condition of your cold-water shacks - call your to make the snow look a greyish color as this will freeze faster and
Utilities and Facility Services department have them do an will be a strong base.
inspection
• If you have turf, make sure it is cut short and trimmed to build Then start laying water down. Not too heavy and not too light I
ice on it call it “rain showers.” Put the water down as if was raining outside
• Check along the bottom of the boards for excessive gaps and on a nice summer night. Once you have made the ice, keep it
fill them with topsoil - this will help with water leakage maintained by using an ice re-surfacer to smooth it off.
• Check for litter inside and out
• Pre plan if you are going to put advertising signs or decals on Stay safe and healthy, enjoy!
as it is hard to do in frigid temperatures
• Do not forget to apply all safety aspects of COVID 19 that Umesh Chand, City of St. Albert
applies to your facilities in accordance with AHS and all Team lead Sports Fields and Open Green Spaces
governing bodies
• Remember to document all your inspections and findings!
Umesh Chand is our Parks and Sports Fields Stream Rep. He is always happy to
offer his advice and share his experiences as a member of the RFP Board of Directors.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 19 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020M I L LW O O D S R EC R E AT I O N C E N T R E
First Wave Pool in North America
by Chris Biensch – Senior Instructor AARFP
The AARFP acknowledges Treaties 6, in Edmonton,7 & 8 Commonly at peak capacity, with waves, a dive tank, two-story
throughout the rest of the Province, as the ancestral and traditional waterslide and hot tub, programming at the facility was never an
territory of its originating peoples. Acknowledged are the many issue. The lifeguards were in unprecedented territory, both from
First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked the the public safety perspective and OH&S. With the wave-machine
lands for generations. functioning, it was the first location in Alberta to mandate hearing
protection for lifeguards during its capacity swims. Second only to
The community of Millwoods, named after the Mill Creek within, the Kinsmen Sports Centre (of Commonwealth Games fame), the
in southeast Edmonton emerged in the late 1960s to address the Millwoods Recreation Centre was a project in engineering design,
need for affordable housing in Edmonton. The area, then known piloting sound-absorbing coatings and baffles.
as the Breuderfeld agricultural area, housed inhabitants comprised
of mainly Russian and German descent. Previously part of the It was the last of the aquatic recreation centres constructed until
Papachase Band, the City of Edmonton, in collaboration with the the early 2010s when Edmonton embarked on a spree, completing
Alberta Housing Corporation, began the acquisition process in Terwillegar, The Meadows, Clareview, and Commonwealth
1971, eventually obtaining nearly twenty-four square kilometers of Recreation Centres within a four-and-a-half-year span. Today,
land for the initiative. excluding the effects of COVID-19, the recreation centre's
capacity user-base has eased, in part because of the Meadows site
From its inception as an affordable option, residents lined up in fifty blocks to the east. Its two, seventy-five horsepower wave-
the hundreds, often camping out at City Hall overnight for a generating blower motors have been replaced since opening – a
chance at a purchase. The community grew exponentially in the rehabilitation shutdown is scheduled to include the water filtration
1970s, then took a hiatus in the 80s due to an economic downturn. systems and air-handling in the mechanical areas. Because COVID
Its growth resumed later, at its peak comprising one-quarter of the has so significantly impacted the budget, the Corporation is unclear
residents in Edmonton. At inception, community representation as to when it will re-open or if the rehab will occur.
became paramount, as one of its prime directives was to provide
essential services from within where possible. Properly in its News of an available vaccine on the horizon has given the first
growth phase, in 1977, the Millwoods Cultural & Recreational elements of hope to the medical situation in Alberta.
Facilities Association (MCARFA) was born, signaling the necessity Unfortunately, at the time of this article's composition, Alberta is
for park-space and recreational options to be developed in the area. facing further restrictions due to our health-care capacity limit.
Although we will be through the pandemic one day, further work
In a tract of parkland SW of the community's golf course, nestled remains to bend-the-curve.
between two high schools, the conceptual design for the Millwoods
Recreation Centre included twin NHL-sized sheets of ice, then Until then, please be kind to yourself and others, take care of the
state-of-the-art fitness center, and a beach-inspired main pool with physical, mental, and spiritual needs of yourself and those in your
North America's first indoor wave generating machine. MCARFA bubble, and listen to the recommendations of Alberta Health
guided the planning, fundraising, and construction processes until Services.
the early 1980s. The operating model always included the City of
Edmonton, with an official 'sale' of the complex at its completion.
The City contributed $4.2M towards the completion of the arena, AARFP recognizes the Edmonton Journal and the City of Edmonton
its formal opening occurring in 1983. Archives, for their contributions.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 20 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020Marmak Partnership
With AARFP
I want to take this time to update you on the status of the
partnership between the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility
Personnel (AARFP) and Marmak. This partnership enabled
AARFP members to access to the Recreation Facility Asset
Management (RFAM) Inventory Module at no cost. To date, some
of our membership have taken advantage of this value-added
membership benefit while some of you may be investigating
RFAM as an option to meet your preventative maintenance needs.
As all of you, AARFP has also been adversely impacted by the
COVID-19 virus. As a result, the AARFP Board of Directors has
been forced to evaluate our operating costs and this was done with
the utmost intention of minimizing the impact to membership
services wherever possible. Unfortunately, there may be an impact
to your organization as we have decided we are no longer able to
support our current partnership with Marmak and the RFAM
product after December 31, 2020.
This will impact your organization's ability to access the RFAM
Inventory Module at no charge as of January 1, 2021. This decision
did not come easily as Marmak has been a great support to
AARFP and its membership since 2017. We thank Marmak for the
past 4 years and their service to the AARFP membership. We truly
hope they will continue to support asset management for the many
recreation facilities in Alberta.
I would like to reiterate this was not a decision taken lightly and we
truly apologize if there has been a significant impact to your
organization.
For those impacted organizations please feel free to reach out to
me directly should you require further information.
Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times.
Stay safe everyone!
Laurie Darvill
AARFP Executive Director
laurie@aarfp.com
RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL
1
R E D D E E R , A L B E R TA | APRIL 25-27, 2021
DON'T FORGET:
If you renew your membership prior to
February 15th, 2021,
you will be entered into a draw for a
FREE Conference registration!
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 21 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020CLEANING AND DISINFECTING FACILITIES POST COVID-19
Avoiding Accidental Poisoning
By Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT, Technical Director, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc.
Introduction Increased Exposure Risk Factors
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) The increased risk factors for workplaces would include:
systems was introduced in 1988 and updated in 2015. It is one of the most • More and new cleaning and disinfection products being purchased for
highly recognized mandatory training responsibilities of all workplaces. It use.
is also the most often misinterpreted and underutilized health and safety • More exposure to those products as workers will have an increased
tool in the workplace. Supervisors focus on the need to have up-to-date responsibility to clean and disinfect.
WHMIS certificates as they view them as some form of security shield • Additional cleaning and disinfection staff being hired to assist in
should an inspector attend their operations. Yes, WHMIS has its own maintaining and increased expectation of facility health.
section in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) making it a • Leaving chemicals out, which could invite clients to consider using the
little more direct in respect to clear compliance obligations, but the fact product.
remains that every worker task or responsibility deserves the same level of
compliance respect as WHMIS receives. Be sure to reinforce the expectation and importance of all workers being
in care and control of all facility chemicals. This includes the removal of
Workers Do Risky Stuff all cleaning chemicals from under sinks or in washrooms. Include a “no
Regardless of the level of training, amount of available information, or outside chemicals allowed” directive in all facility contracts. Users should
the concentration on supervisions, workers will take shortcuts or attempt not be permitted to spray down any part of a facility or use their own
unsafe methods or techniques in hope of fast tracking a task. The best a cleaning chemicals or methods as this may interact when staff perform
supervisor can expect is the ability to prove they did everything their duties.
“reasonable” to avoid an outcome of poor worker decisions. This does
not exempt a supervisor from accountability for failing to “supervise” a A Supervisors Chemical Safety Checklist
worker, but it does give supervisors a clear conscience for their own The following items should be observed as a starting point to refreshing a
performance. Essential education for all staff, regardless of years of facilities WHMIS program:
experience, should cover the benefits of precisely following the chemical • Confirm that all workers are up to date with the Global Harmonized
manufacturer's mixing instructions while emphasizing the hazards of System WHMIS training.
mixing any two chemicals in the hope of creating a super cleaner. These • Review all (M) Safety Data Sheets to confirm they remain current and
discussions should also address the fact that improperly mixed chemicals up to date.
can permanently damage or destroy facility infrastructure • Refresh workers on the required obligation to review the SDS every
time they use a chemical.
The Risks of Disinfection Anxiety Syndrome (DAS) • Reconfirm that the required internal workplace specific training
As recreation workers return to their facilities, there should be an expected program meets the current needs and objectives of the facility.
high level of disinfection anxiety syndrome (DAS) by users and workers • Reconfirm that all required PPE as outlined in the chemical SDS are
alike. DAS may encourage people to experiment with different chemical available and being used by all workers.
combinations, which must be avoided. If data collected by Health Canada • Initiate an ongoing WHMIS refreshing program where a chemical safe
in February and March of this year is any indicator of what we might use, storage and disposal are openly discussed.
expect in the workplace, supervisors would be wise to refresh worker
WHMIS training and ensure that all Standard Operating Practices (SOP) WHMIS Is Not a Merit Badge
are current and up to date. WHMIS is not a merit badge that is earned and then displayed. WHMIS
safety needs to be a culture that is adopted by all workers – this will only
According to Health Canada, February and March combined showed a 58 happen through positive supervisory leadership. Recreation facility health
per cent increase from the same period a year earlier in reported exposures will be a priority for years to come. To be successful, today's facility manager
related to cleaning products, bleaches, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and must invest the necessary resources to understand and effectively apply
chlorine and chloramine gas exposures. From people experiencing burning chemistry and methods to meet the goals of being safe and healthy while
eyes and trouble breathing to children drinking hand sanitizer, there has ensuring maximum life cycle of all surfaces, furniture, and materials.
been a jump in the number of cleaner and disinfectant-related accidental
poisonings since the COVID-19 pandemic began, as Canadians try to keep Reference:
themselves and their homes virus-free.(CBC News)1 1. “Canadians are accidentally poisoning themselves while cleaning to prevent
The most common mistake workers often make is mixing bleach with COVID-19.” CBC News. 5 May 2020. www.cbc.ca/amp/1 5552779
another cleaning product that has ammonia in it, producing potentially
deadly gases. Some wipes used to clean surfaces have ammonia in them, Reprinted with permission of the Ontario Recreation Facilities
which can lead to these types of accidental cross contamination mistakes. Association Inc., 2020, Facility Forum, Issue 3, 31-32.
ONLINE TRAINING REMINDER
Don't forget that online training is already available through our partners! Red
Deer College (RDC) is offering courses for the Recreation Facility Management
Certificates and Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA) is
offering courses for the new Safety Operator Certificates.
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 22 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020CLEANING RECREATION FACILITIES
In A Post-COVID-19 World
By Drew Bunn, Director of Sales, Kaivac
Talk to anyone in the professional cleaning industry, and most all will say • A summary of custodial worker training programs that have
the same thing: in the post-COVID-19 world, our industry has changed been implemented since COVID-19. Many contractors were caught
forever. off guard when it came to dealing with the virus, as were
recreational park administrators. We cannot be caught flat-footed
The good thing is that building, and recreation managers will never again, and practical training, outlined in the cleaning proposal, will
underestimate the value and importance of effective, hygienic cleaning help prevent this from happening again.
again. For years, the industry has been touting that we "clean for health"
and that we clean to keep people healthy. • A schedule for how often the facility will be disinfected.
Contractors should have two programs: one outlining regular
The role of cleaning in stopping the spread of the coronavirus proves disinfecting measures on a daily or weekly basis and another
just how true that claim is. Going forward, we will need the help of covering the detailed steps to be taken on a monthly or quarterly
building managers everywhere to ensure these objectives are basis. Further, the disinfecting program should begin before the
accomplished not only in recreation facilities, but in offices, schools, and facility is opened for the season. In the future, prior-to-opening,
all commercial facilities. disinfecting steps will likely become a cleaning "best practice."
To do that, recreation administrators may need to update their requests • An itemized checklist of all surfaces to be cleaned and
for proposals (RFPs). What's more, they may need to ask their current disinfected in a facility. We call this a high-touch audit. At the start
cleaning contractors to adjust their janitorial proposals or, if they clean of service, administrators and cleaning contractors should conduct
in-house, revise their own cleaning programs. What now is needed in such a review, detailing what needs to be cleaned and disinfected on
every cleaning proposal and in-house cleaning program is an entire a daily, weekly, and ongoing schedule.
section detailing how recreation facilities are to be disinfected and how
often this will be performed.
• A list of cleaning tools and equipment the contractor will be
When you think about it, this has been a major oversight for years. Most using. Cleaning equipment traditionally is selected based on costs,
recreation facilities have separate sections in their cleaning RFPs, ergonomics, or how it improves worker productivity. Now
janitorial contracts, and cleaning programs addressing floor care, contractors need to outline how the products they select can help
window cleaning, and other tasks that must be performed on a set protect health. For instance, one type of equipment that has proven
schedule. But nowhere is there anything discussing detailed disinfecting valuable in stopping the spread of the infection is spray-and-vac (no-
on a set schedule. That oversight must now be addressed. touch) cleaning systems. These systems can more thoroughly detail-
clean fixtures and eliminate the use of potentially contaminated floor
How can this be accomplished? In a post-COVID-19 world, recreation mops. They also have built-in HEPA filters protecting indoor air
administrators should require cleaning contractors to include the quality.* Electrostatic misters are also being used. These spread a
following information in their janitorial proposals: disinfectant mist over surfaces, helping to kill all types of
pathogens.** However, recent studies by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) have questioned the used of these
• A description of a complete, formalized disinfecting program.
machines when disinfecting. The problem is that the disinfectant is
Formalized means it is in writing. It should address all the concerns
not being used as suggested by the manufacturer and approved by
described below and include an introduction indicating the specific
the EPA.
steps that the contractor will take to keep your facility clean and
healthy, both regularly and in an emergency, such as the one we are
experiencing now. continued on next page...
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 23 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020CLEANING RECREATION FACILITIES...
There are even simple, relatively inexpensive items that should be noted Rather, they serve as a warning that pathogens may be present, and
on the proposal. For instance, at least one type of microfiber cleaning action is needed. Facility users will want to know you are using this
cloth can be folded into eight quadrants. The benefit here is that the technology.
custodial worker can fold the cloth so that a fresh, clean surface can be
accessed when needed, helping to stop the spread of contaminants, and • The contractor should note if they have a "distributor partner."
improving worker productivity. Contractors must have an astute distributor partner they can turn to.
View these people as an off-line personal search engine. These
In addition to this important information, recreational park partners help contractors determine what cleaning products are best
administrators should find out what types of disinfectants the contractor to address specific cleaning challenges and ensure recreation facilities
uses. Cleaning crews should use only disinfectants recommended by the are clean and healthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As grim as it is, and as grim as it still may be, some good will come from
The proposals should also include comments on the steps the contractor COVID-19. Most likely, a year from now, both treatments and
has taken to protect their own workers. This includes ensuring the medications will have been developed to help prevent and treat the
cleaning crew has access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for disease.
both regular cleaning and cleaning and disinfecting emergencies. Once
again, many contractors were caught off guard, not having masks, And when it comes to cleaning, good shall come as well. Manufacturers
goggles, gowns, and other items necessary to clean and disinfect their have already changed their focus. We can expect new products to be
customers' facilities in an emergency. In all fairness, so were facility introduced that take cleaning to an entirely new level, further ensuring
administrators. they help protect human health.
Hand in hand with having PPE available, ensure the contractor has Drew Bunn is Director of Sales for Kaivac, developers of the No-Touch Cleaning®
instructed their workers on how to put on, wear, and remove PPE and OmniFlex™ cleaning systems and other equipment designed for infection
properly. Infections have spread because PPE was not worn and prevention. He can be reached at: Drew Bunn DBunn@kaivac.com
removed properly.
*Spray-and-vac is a term coined by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association.
Finally, proposals should address two more crucial areas: **In most cases, surfaces should be cleaned first before misting is applied. See
manufacturers instructions.
• The contractor must prove the efficacy of all their cleaning and
disinfecting steps. To do this, all contractors should use ATP Reprinted with permission of the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc.
monitors. These do not indicate if specific pathogens are present. and by Drew Bunn, Kaivac, 2020, Facility Forum, Issue 3, 27-29.
RFP LEISURE LINES 25
PAGE 24 W I N ST PE RR I NI SGS UI SES U
• ED •E CM
EMA RB CE H
R 2020ONGOING STORY OF ONE RINK’S JOURNEY DURING COVID-19
Hockey Season, From Behind
the (Non-Medical) Mask
By Craig Dilts, AARFP Arena Instructor & Family Centre Arena & Civic Centre Manager, Community & Protective Services, Town of Strathmore
It was a typical Friday at the Strathmore Family capital projects that we were able to complete
Centre Arena; kids were out of school early and during the closure such as replacing our ice-
a tournament was in progress. Everyone could making water boilers, rink unit heaters, installing
see across the globe that this new virus was a new exterior LED sign board, and replacing
getting worse. It didn't really hit home until the one of our large rooftop HVAC units. We also
province issued a state of public health contracted out welding repairs to our blue rink
emergency resulting in the closure of recreation boards and some repairs to our snow melt pit.
facilities, schools, and daycares for the next few I'm sure many facilities can understand that
months. down-time for maintenance is hard to come by
in our industry, so we capitalized on it during the
The following week we had removed both our closure!
ice surfaces and were trying to prepare for what
looked like an early off-season period of At times, it was easy to work alone and segregate
maintenance work and capital projects. With the ourselves and so we came up with little ways to
unfortunate news of laying off our casual staff brighten everyone's day. The staff made a point
and having office staff working from home, we of have morning and afternoon coffee breaks
were left with our small but dedicated crew of together, they would sound an alarm over the PA
facility operators at the system to let everyone know.
arena. We adjusted their Staff took turns on picking
schedules to working only the radio station that we
days and taking weekends would listen to for the day.
off. Thursdays became ordering
lunch for everyone and we
For the arena, I wanted switched up the location
some consistency and early- each week. I also shook
on started holding fifteen- things up at the end of the
minute team meetings first day by playing “Closing
thing every morning to keep Time” (and other selections)
everyone updated with as on the radio for everyone to
much information as I could clean-up for the day before
give them. It was short and we all left.
sweet and kept everyone in the loop. This
was how it looked: Early on, our recreation team began making
1. Covid-19 updates plans for an eventual reopening. We met
2. Arena updates weekly and gathered various ideas from other
3. Roundtable of everyone's work facilities and industries. One of the biggest
assignments challenges with having multiple facilities is
a. What did I do yesterday? ensuring your messaging and signage are
b. What am I doing today? consistent and easily understood. We spent
c. What is in my way? weeks crafting COVID-19 pages of facility
4. Things to remember use rules, floor stickers, digital displays and
emails to our customers. Having consistent
The Strathmore Family Centre Arena staff messaging and simple signage can go a long
eventually worked through the entire way. I now have a rule for making signage at
shutdown painting many of our dressing
rooms, hallways and lobby. We also had a few continued on next page...
RFP LEISURE LINES PAGE 27 WINTER ISSUE • DECEMBER 2020You can also read
