A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2013
NCRPA PROFILE:
SOUTHERN PINES RECREATION & PARKS
INSIDE: Hot Topics | Under Construction | People in the News
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SPRING 2013 A publication of the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association Vol. 67, No. 1 • Spring 2013 NCRPA Marketing Committee: Karen Brady, Chair, Fayetteville-Cumberland Casey Chesson, Greensboro Cathy Hart, Gaston County Michael Magnes, Gibsonville Cara McLeod, Raleigh To submit information for NCRPA News, please visit the NCRPA website and click on the “Publications” link: www.ncrpa.net Published for:
RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
883 Washington Street Raleigh, NC 27605 919.832.5868 phone 919.832.3323 fax
[email protected] Visit NCRPA online at: www.ncrpa.net Published by Naylor, LLC 5950 N.W. First Place Gainesville, Florida 32607 800.369.6220 phone 352.331.3525 fax www.naylor.com PUBLISHER Jill Andreu EDITOR Christine Cusatis MARKETING Alex Rodriguez PROJECT MANAGER Leron Peete PUBLICATION DIRECTOR Brian Agnes ADVERTISING SALES Brian Agnes, Don Cline, Eric Singer, Erik Henson, Shane Holt
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FROM THE PRESIDENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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NCRPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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NCRPA PROFILE: SOUTHERN PINES RECREATION & PARKS
10
HOT TOPICS IN P&R
13
THE MAILBOX
14
ASSOCIATION NEWS
16
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
18
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
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THE SHORT SIDE By David Lee
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ADVERTISER INDEX/ ADVERTISER.COM
LAYOUT AND DESIGN Ranjeet Singh Kalsi ©2013, Naylor, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Please support the advertisers who made this publication possible. PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2013/CPR-Q0113/8001
ON THE COVER: Citizens enjoy good fishing and great weather at Reservoir Park Lake PHOTO COURTESY OF: Wes Janz Spring 2013 • NCRPA news 5
FrOM the PreSiDent | BY thurMAn hArDiSOn
Steering the future
h
eY—AnD hAPPY New Year! You may be reading this in the spring of 2013, but it’s still a new year: new faces, new places, new challenges and opportunities—and new leadership. As I stated more than two years ago now, I am humbled by the expression of confidence and support that I have experienced around this great state, and pledge to do my best with the time that I have been afforded. I would like to thank NCRPA Past President Lisa Wolff, the 2012 Board of Directors, and the NCRPA office management/staff for the professional navigation of a very important period of our association. Many difficult tasks were required during 2012, such as finding a new executive director, creating a mechanism for better strategic planning and coordinating efforts for the annual conference(which was very successful, by the way—thanks, Greenville!), just to name an important few. Over the next several months, we will continue to “reach out and connect” with you. Your input is vital to the association’s continued success and desired outcomes. I encourage you to be a participant of the process, not a bystander. Though lots of things are “in-place,” change is constant; as a professional in this field, you want to be ap part of steering that change, not getting run over by it. If you have any questions, want to share information, or would like to contact me directly, please feel free to do so. Peace and joy to all of you in 2013! Sincerely,
CAlenDAr OF eVentS MArCh 18-19, 2013 TR Section Conference Cary, NC Contact: Meghan Hitchcock (919) 419-7631
[email protected] MArCh 19-21, 2013 NRPA Legislative Forum Washington, DC Contact: Michelle Wells (919) 832-5868
[email protected] MArCh 27, 2013 Land & Water Lobby Day Raleigh, NC Contact: Michelle Wells (919) 832-5868
[email protected] MArCh 27, 2013 NCRPA Board Meeting Raleigh, NC Contact: Thurman Hardison (252) 639-2900
[email protected] AuguSt 8-10, 2013 CBM State Forum Greensboro, NC Contact: Michelle Wells (919) 832-5868
[email protected]
Thurman Hardison
OCtOBer 1-3, 2013 Athletic Directors Workshop Asheville, NC Contact: Chris Koufopoulos (252) 462-2685
[email protected]
Online Information
Featuring: ➜ Event Information ➜ Educational Opportunities ➜ Resource Links & more!
Call NCRPA at (919) 832-5868 today, or e-mail us at:
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6 NCRPA news • Spring 2013
nOVeMBer 11, 2012 Board of Directors Meeting Raleigh, NC Contact: Thurman Hardison (252) 639-2900
[email protected] nOVeMBer 11-13, 2012 NCRPA/SCRPA Joint Conference Raleigh, NC Contact: Kathy Capps (919) 996-4836
[email protected]
RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION
NORTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION 2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS executive Committee Thurman Hardison, President, New Bern Parks & Recreation Stephen Poulos, 1st Vice President, Watauga County Parks & Recreation Dale Smith, 2nd Vice President, Greensboro Cindi King, Treasurer, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Keith Jenkins, Secretary, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Lisa Wolff, Past President, Burlington Recreation & Parks Michelle Wells, Executive Director, NCRPA
region Chairs Region 1 - Brian Harrell, Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation Region 2 - John Albert, Goldsboro Parks & Recreation Region 3 - Niel Brooks, Leland Parks & Recreation Region 4 - Dan Bagley, Raleigh Parks & Recreation Region 5 - Todd Moore, Gibsonville Parks & Recreation Region 6 - Keron Poteat, Watauga County Parks & Recreation Region 7 - Gary Mills, Kannapolis Parks & Recreation Region 8 - Carol Stiles, Newton Parks & Recreation Region 9 - Casey Conner, Black Mountain Parks & Recreation
Section Chairs Administration - Michael Jaycocks, Huntersville Parks & Recreation Athletics - Jonathan Allen, Clinton Parks & Recreation Commission Board - David Moore, Mount Holly Parks & Recreation Education - Paige Schneider, East Carolina Universtiy Park Services - Jim Orr, Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Programs - Jane Smith, Burlington Recreation & Parks Therapeutic - Ann-Marie Strike, Durham Parks & Recreation
Committees Citations & Awards - Butch Kisiah, Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Conference Selection - Keith Jenkins, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Endowment Program - Allen Oliver, High Point Parks & Recreation Finance - Cindi King, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Legislative - Larry Bailey, Clayton Parks & Recreation Marketing - Karen Brady, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Membership - Stephanie Shaffer, Garner Parks & Recreation NRPA Legislative Liaison - Erma Deen Hoyle, Lincoln County Parks & Recreation Procedures - Susan Paschal, Clayton Parks & Recreation Professional Development - Sam Trogdon, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
Ad-hoc Committees Annual Conference - Kathy Capps, Raleigh Parks & Recreation Nominations & Elections - Lisa Wolff, Burlington Recreation & Parks
Agency liaisons NC Senior Games - NC Senior Games Brad Allen NCDENR - Lewis Ledford, NC Division of Parks & Recreation Recreation Resources Service - Pete Armstrong, Recreation Resources Service
nCrPA Staff Michelle Wells, Executive Director Wanda Parmlee, Executive Secretary Matt Carusona, Program Coordinator Erin Crouse, Graduate Assistant
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Spring 2013 • NCRPA news10:26 7 PM 29/12/12
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nCrPA PrOFile
Come see what great fun comes out of our house BY ROBERT REEVE, DIRECTOR, SOUTHERN PINES RECREATION & PARKS
W
hen MOSt people go to work, they leave their houses to go to an office. In Southern Pines, our staff leaves their houses and goes to another house—the Campbell House, an historic home in downtown Southern Pines. Unique, you say? It speaks volumes to what our citizens enjoy every time they participate in fun programs, athletics, senior programs, special events, and of course, great parks and greenways! Southern Pines is located in the Sandhills of North Carolina, or Moore County. For those still scratching their heads, it is one hour southwest of Raleigh. A small town with a population of less than 13,000, Southern Pines is best known for golf, tennis, a retirement community, its horse country and a thriving downtown area full of unique shops, restaurants, local night spots and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Home to the first recreation and parks department in Moore County, Southern Pines continues to lead the way in providing traditional programs such as youth athletics (football, basketball, t-ball, etc.), programs (such as day camps, after school and swim lessons), senior programs (trips, card games, ping pong, etc.), special events (a holiday parade, First Eve, Holiday Egg Hunts and Autumnfest), neighborhood and community parks and 11 miles of greenways. What makes our parks unique and fun to visit is their close proximity. In many cases, you can walk from
one to the other on sidewalks. From the Campbell House, you can walk to the Downtown Park and enjoy basketball, tennis, playgrounds, outdoor movies and even a busy farmers market on Saturdays from April until October. If the lighted tennis courts or the basketball courts are full, walk to Memorial Park, where we have tennis and basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, bocce ball courts, sand volleyball courts, baseball fields where you can enjoy a Little League game and a multipurpose field where you can enjoy a youth tackle football game. We have soccer and softball games within a quarter of a mile at the Morganton Road Sports Complex, where you can purchase fresh produce at another farmers market on Thursdays year-round. You can also grow fresh vegetables in our community garden behind the Armory Field. Want to go swimming in the summer? Walk three blocks and visit the Pool Park, where you can swim, explore the playground, or play on the big open field used for special events in the summer and fall. Need a place to let your dog run off leash? Jump in your car and drive a few miles to one of the biggest dog parks in North Carolina. Martin Park is 50 acres of tail-wagging fun for our fourlegged friends. Used by residents from all over Southern Moore County, Martin Park borders the neighboring towns of Pinehurst and Aberdeen. Ready to really enjoy the outdoors? Head out to the Reservoir Park, where you can enjoy a two-mile greenway around Southern Pines’ old water reservoir. Added within the last three years are new features including scenic
disc golf courses designed by a local enthusiast and funded by citizens and businesses, as well as fitness equipment along the greenway provided by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation equipment grant. Fish, picnic, and ride a bike as the greenway system extends from the park past multiple communities within Southern Pines, as well as the local community college. For a more serene visit, pack a picnic lunch, read a book while cool breezes help turn the pages, people watch and just enjoy nature and the outdoors. The recreation and parks department continues to create new programs, parks and events by partnering with many local groups and organizations to make Southern Pines one of the greatest places to be. We invite you to join our growing list of partners that have discovered the charm and joy of Southern Pines.
Spring 2013 • NCRPA news 9
hOt tOPiCS in P&r
A new game BY JACK BALDWIN, RECREATION CENTER SUPERVISOR GARNER PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL RESOURCES
With the growth of Upward Basketball leagues, the Town of Garner experienced a great decrease in our girls recreational basketball league. After several unsuccessful format and marketing changes, we decided to offer a different sport as a way to engage girls in a recreational athletic program. Last winter, the first volleyball league had 27 players on three teams. The season was a learning experience for everyone involved, including the staff. Working through rule modifications and new coaches, all decisions were guided by our core values of participation, skill development, sportsmanship and fun. We had incredible buy-in from parents, coaches and players. When the league ended, together we had created something special. Parents indicated in surveys that the experience was far more than an athletic league. “My daughter had never played volleyball before. Through this league she has more self-confidence playing and in school. Thank you,” wrote one parent. Another wrote, “I am going to tell all of my friends about this league. We had a great time.” Registration for the second season of the volleyball league recently ended, and there are now 65 players on eight teams. This bump in participation has us set for another successful season.
Jingle all the way BY FELICIA LUCAS BROWN, RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT GOLDSBORO PARKS & RECREATION
Jingle in the Park is an event held each year at our Herman Park, and is quickly becoming one of our department’s signature events. It has traditionally been held on one day in December, but this time, we held it over two days. Expanding it to a two-day event was so successful that we plan to have it for four days in 2013. What is Jingle in the Park, you ask? It is a community event where we have hay/sleigh rides, candy cane hunts, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, Kiwanis Miniature Train rides and, of course, the park is decorated with Christmas lights. What were the popular activities? Playing on the playground equipment (we lit it each night) and leaves! Our staff blew the leaves in the park into several piles. Kids of all ages and sizes truly enjoyed themselves. Who knew you could have so much fun with leaves?!
Bringing Christmas joy to local recreation center youth! BY EMERALD BOWMAN, SR. COMMUNITY EDUCATOR, WINSTON-SALEM RECREATION & PARKS
NBA players Josh Howard of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers teamed up on December 13, 2012, to ensure that children of Winston-Salem could have a Merry Christmas. Among the recipients were 20 children from the city’s recreation centers. Each child, accompanied by a recreation center supervisor, received a $100 gift card from the players to pick out items of their choice at Toys “R” Us! Because of the generosity of these two Winston-Salem natives, children from our local recreation centers were able to enjoy a very happy holiday season.
10 NCRPA news • Spring 2013
Park Accessibility Survey and planning—a team effort BY SARAH HOGAN RECREATION MANAGER DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION
Long-term improvements can take years, but Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) found simple fixes to immediately improve access to outdoor play spaces. In early 2010, DPR visited nearly 70 parks to examine parking, sidewalks, steepness of the grade/ terrain, signage, surfacing of playgrounds and other play spaces. While items that need improvements were found, there were many playgrounds that had rubberized surfacing; accessible swings; creative designs that provide ramp access from hills above; paved pathways throughout parks alongside picnic tables, park benches, grills and water fountains; concrete slabs that provide access to fields and seating and large open restrooms that provide good access to toilets and sinks. Since the project kick off in early 2010, DPR has: • Provided park and facility accessibility trainings to more than 100 staff members. • Added park accessibility items to the park maintenance checklist. • Added accessibility information in our PlayMore Guide, and shared it with customers. • Discussed the survey information with the city’s ADA Compliance Officer and project managers, and used it to create priorities for park renovations. While there is much more work to be done, DPR is making great progress to improve accessibility of our parks.
First annual “Swim with Santa!” event held in Durham BY KATHERINE EDWARDS, RECREATION AND AQUATICS SUPERVISOR DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION
Durham Parks and Recreation held their first annual “Swim with Santa!” event at Edison Johnson Aquatic Center on Saturday, December 8, 2012. There were games, music, holiday-themed arts and crafts and goody bags for the 30 participants. Of course, Santa made an appearance, too! Decked out in red swim trunks, suspenders and his trusty hat, Santa splashed around with the kids before taking a seat in a submerged lifeguard chair to give each child time to sit on his lap and take pictures. DPR staff entered the water with a waterproof camera to get the best shots of Santa with participants, and these were emailed to parents the following week. This unique holiday event was a huge success! Nothing but compliments were heard from every family walking out the door at the end of the night, including lots of requests for this to become an annual event. Kudos to DPR Aquatics Staff for putting together such a great event, and to Ted Pehowic, our wonderful Santa!
Success essentials BY VON CURRY, SENIOR RECREATION PROGRAMMER, HICKORY PARKS & RECREATION
Grinch Stink Stank Stunk Toy Run BY TIFFANY PEARSON PROGRAM SUPERVISOR SMITHFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
In December 2012, Smithfield Parks and Recreation and the Smithfield Police Department cohosted the first annual “Grinch Stink Stank Stunk Toy Run.” The event was sponsored by the Smithfield Kiwanis Club, WTSB Radio, Friends of the Park, LAMM Events, Smithfield Parks and Recreation and the Smithfield Police Department. Registration for the event, which included a 5k run and a one-mile “Jingle Bell Jog/ Walk,” was a new unwrapped toy. All toys went to the children of Johnston County Department of Social Services “The Angel Tree Project” and those who were being helped through Harbor. Harbor is an organization that provides immediate reprieve from domestic violence situations. We had 300 citizens participate in the event. The turn-out and participation was more than we could have hoped for a first-year event. The community opened their hearts and pockets to provide 500 presents for those in need.
The Catawba County Gang Initiative (CCGI) is a collaboration of several Catawba County Law Enforcement Agencies that creates an environment that helps reduce gang/group-related violence and crime. Offenders identified with gang/group related violence and crimes are notified of the community’s intent to stop/reduce illegal activity through an offender notification meeting, also known as a “Call-In.” Service leaders, faith-based leaders and law enforcement from the local, state and federal agencies provide the offenders a concise message that crime will not be tolerated. The partnership between Hickory Parks and Recreation is vital to the overall success of this program by providing staff and an ideal meeting facility. It also serves as a marketing tool by assisting in promoting the services to other patrons and visitors that patronize the center. Coordinator Charles Mackey of the Catawba County Gang of One said, “It’s truly a blessing to be a part of a program that is fair and comprehensive to everyone involved.” Success Essential Story: Levi Williams has taken full advantage of CCGI’s offer to help change his behavior and become a productive community member. After mentoring and employability skill classes, Levi has obtained his truck driver’s license. He is currently employed and very excited about his new outlook on life.
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hOt tOPiCS in P&r
Basketball clinics are rousing success! BY STEPHEN POULOS, DIRECTOR AND PAUL KRAUSE, RECREATION SPECIALIST, WATAUGA COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
With the assistance of Ryan Goodson, Appalachian State University, Lees-McRae College, local AAU coaches and Watauga High School, we were able to provide seven basketball clinics to 70 of our local youth reaching into age ranges that are not served with our current basketball programs. The focus was on introducing fundamental skills, as well as having our kids meet players on various teams in our community. The immense success of the clinics may lead to augmenting our basketball program and reaching even more basketball athletes. Additionally, we hope to provide these same services across all of our sport programs. We currently have volleyball clinics scheduled for February, hoping it may have the chance to bloom into a youth volleyball league. We also have plans to expand this into baseball/softball and soccer. Watauga County Parks and Recreation deeply appreciates all the local support to this very well-received program, as does the community. In one email we received, the clinics were described as the best program within our department.
Small budget, huge value for trick-or-treat the trails BY LIZ SPIVEY MARKETING AND SPECIAL EVENTS SUPERVISOR GARNER PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL RESOURCES
Garner had to reduce expenses from its special events budget, and the popular Goblins in the Park was one event which received a big cut. With only $500 available for a Halloween event, the department capitalized on an opportunity to involve the community in a new and innovative event. An estimated 800 people turned out the previous year to celebrate a rainy grand opening of the South Garner Greenway on Halloween. That experience was the basis for a wonderful idea in which community groups and businesses were contacted and offered an opportunity to set-up trick-or-treat stations along the one mile White Deer Park trail. Partners were asked to provide candy or treats for at least 1,000 people and could advertise their businesses through their giveaways. More than 40 organizations participated, and an estimated 4,500 attended the event. Nearby stores sold out of candy as organizations replenished supplies throughout the event. The event captured the attention of media, which provided positive exposure for White Deer Park, and the partner organizations benefited through personal contact and advertising. The estimated candy value alone was $8,000, which is not bad for a $500 investment.
12 NCRPA news • Spring 2013
Back by popular demand BY CAREY M. GREENWOOD, RECREATION PROGRAMMER HICKORY PARKS & RECREATION
On Tuesday nights during the month of November, Highland Recreation Center added an additional Group Exercise Class: Better Body Boot Camp. Participants ready to step up their workout or needing someone to push them to their limits joined in to explore a new workout routine designed to challenge not only their physical limitations, but their mental limitations as well. On the first Tuesday the class was offered eight were in attendance. By the second week the class had more than doubled with 17 participants. Solid numbers continued with 32 in attendance during the last two weeks the class was offered. With such positive attendance levels, the class is being permanently added to the winter group exercise schedule. The class is a great combination of cardio and sculpting with a dash of personal and group competition added to push participants to their fitness limits. With New Year’s resolutions starting up, this class, designed to better bodies, is sure to be a hit in 2013!
Ask RRS BY STEVE MOLER, CONSULTANT, RECREATION RESOURCES SERVICE
Q. What’s Up with ADA? A. The Department of Justice has adopted Revised ADA Standards effective March 15, 2012. These rules/requirements address recreation facilities, play areas, State and local government facilities and finally the revision of the Access Board’s 1991 guidelines. However, a compliance date on EXISTING POOLS was extended until January 31, 2013. This extension of the date does not affect the March 15, 2012 date for NEWLY CONSTRUCTED OR ALTERED POOLS. Recreation Facility changes include amusement rides, recreational boating facilities, exercise machines, fishing piers, golf facilities, miniature golf, play areas, swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, saunas and steam rooms. Changes to the 1991 standards include: reach range requirements, single user toilet rooms, assembly areas, location of accessible routes, and location of accessible routes to stages. Outdoor recreation facilities will require designing accessible routes to all facilities within a complex. Accessible routes must be located from the designated handicapped parking space, in the parking lot, to the picnic shelter, the ballfield, the restroom, the bleacher areas, the playground(s), the walking trail etc. Also, an accessible route includes providing a route to the playground equipment within the playground. For further information contact ADA at www.ada.gov.
MAilBOX
Third Annual LeadHERship Workshop BY VONDA MARTIN CENTRAL WEST CONSULTANT RECREATION RESOURCES SERVICE
The Third Annual LeadHERship Workshop for Women in Parks and Recreation will be April 18–19, 2013, and will be hosted by Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. Raise Your Sails will provide direction for career development and the tools necessary to lead, inspire and empower yourself and others to share your vision and excel as a professional in the field of parks and recreation. Come experience the synergy this workshop creates as we navigate the challenges of leadership. Activities planned include a tour of selected Cary facilities and a Durham Bulls game. The 2013 and 2014 workshops will be held at the Embassy Suites in Cary. For more information, please contact Vonda Martin at
[email protected].
Merger forms The Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks Department BY JANICE HONEYCUTT, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT CABARRUS COUNTY ACTIVE LIVING & PARKS
The Cabarrus County Parks Department and the Cabarrus County Department of Aging merged to form the Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks Department. This merger will provide vast opportunities for new and different programming based on the skill set of each staff member; this includes parks as well as Senior Centers. Londa Strong, Director, stated she is looking forward to this new venture and believes together we can have an even better impact on the citizens of Cabarrus County.
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Outdoor Fitness circuit at Fletcher Community Park BY GREG WALKER, DIRECTOR FLETCHER PARKS & RECREATION
Fletcher Parks and Recreation has partnered with Park Ridge Health hospital to fund the construction of a new outdoor fitness circuit at Fletcher Community Park. The five-station ENERGI Prime system can be used for more than 120 exercises and has a QR code for each station where users can download a personal trainer video. Fletcher Parks & Recreation will partner with 03 Fitness to offer community exercise classes, and Park Ridge Health will provide free community wellness programs at the park during the coming year. Grand opening will be held in early April for the Park Ridge Health pad.
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
2012 annual awards presented
D
uring the 2012 Annual Conference in Greenville, the Citations and Awards committee honored eight individuals for their outstanding service to the parks and recreation profession. The Fellow Award is the highest award that NCRPA can bestow on one of its members for outstanding service and leadership. This year’s recipients was Allen Oliver, director of High Point Parks & Recreation. Allen Oliver has been with High Point since 2005 and previously served as director in Asheboro for 16 years. A graduate of Western Carolina, Allen has been an active member of NCRPA for 28 years, and served the association as President in 2009 and on many committees including legislative, endowment, PlaySAFE Carolinas, membership, SWAC and conference management. During his time in High Point, he has been an engaged community volunteer and instrumental in the establishment of a Miracle League program. Allen is active in the local rotary club and arts council and serves on the board of directors for NC Special Olympics. Through leadership and dedication to his staff, his profession and his community, High Point has continued to enhance facilities and programs to improve the quality of life for the citizens. The Hall of Fame recipient was Boyd Lee, retired director of Greenville Recreation and Parks. Boyd was appointed director in 1969 and served in that position until his retirement in 2006. A graduate of NC State, Boyd has been a member of NCRPA for 45 years and served in numerous roles,
culminating in President in 1977. While President, NC had 165 members receive either their professional or administrative certification. This was prior to the national CPRP program being established. He received the Fellow Award in 1983. While in Greenville, the agency experienced tremendous growth in parks, facilities and personnel. Active on the National level, he served as chairman of Southern Regional Council of NRPA. Even in retirement, he supported the profession by serving on the Parks & Recreation Authority from 2007-2012. The Meritorious Service award for faithful and accomplished service to the field of parks and recreation was presented to Rita Roy, Director of Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation and Dale Smith, Director with Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation. For more than 25 years Rita Roy has been a tremendous leader in the recreation and parks profession. She has utilized her expertise, skills, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of the citizens she serves. With respect to long-term impact, perhaps the most far-reaching has been in the area of youth sports and physical activity; being a role model and mentor for young professionals; and senior program development. Rita has played a key role in developing the Senior Games program on the local and state levels. She has served as event director, SilverArts director and on the facilities, SilverArts and Celebration of the Games committees and the Senior Games Board of Directors. With over 30 years of experience in our profession, Dale Smith has been a
Allen Oliver, Dale Smith, Morry Watkins, Boyd Lee, Don Octigan, Kristen Denton, Rita Roy & Jennifer MacDougall.
Arts & Humanities winners Kobeyeh Riley, Mecklenburg County; Cindi King, Cary; Sonya Shaw, Garner; and Innovative Program Winner Heidi Dull and Kathryn Royall, Haw River State Park.
14 NCRPA news • Spring 2013
leader on the local, state and national level. She was the initiator of the Women’s LeadHERship Conference and served as the host for the first two years and on the planning committee. This unique conference is one, if not the only, training opportunities exclusively for women in the profession. Prior to joining the staff in Rocky Mount, Dale served as the athletics director for Raleigh Parks & Recreation. She served NCRPA as Treasurer in 2011, Joint Conference Management Team and has represented Region 1 at Lobby Day since 2007 and on the National level at the Legislative Forum. Locally she served as the United Way chair and serves on the Nash County Travel and Tourism board. The Special Citation Award was presented to Jennifer MacDougall, senior program officer for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and Morry Watkins, member of the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Although not directly working in parks and recreation now, Jennifer MacDougall has worked as a consultant for RRS and continues to be an ambassador for the profession. She has taken her passion for connecting parks and recreation with healthcare statewide and helped numerous departments receive funding to encourage healthy lifestyles. Jennifer has utilized her expertise in recreation, coupled with the flexibility of a large foundation, to help establish a variety of grassroots programs. She continues to present at conferences and workshops, increasing the exposure of our profession and encouraging others to seek out parks and recreation departments as local partners. Thanks to Jennifer, our profession has a seat at the healthcare table. She has done so much to advance our profession beyond what was once viewed as traditional parks and recreation. Morry Watkins was appointed to the Brunswick County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board in November 1980. Other than a two-year absence on the board, he served faithfully until his retirement in November 2012. He has served as
chair or vice chair for a large majority of his tenure, while serving as chair the past 4 years. Morry did not contain his service and love of Parks & Recreation to Brunswick County. He also was a member of NRPA and NCRPA for 24 years. He represented North Carolina on the NRPA Southern Region Board for 10 years. He also served as chair of the NCRPA Commission Board Section and was heavily involved with planning and awards for the CBM Conference. The Young Professional award was presented to Kristen Denton, recreation programs manager with Holly Springs Parks & Recreation and Don Octigan, recreation supervisor from Greenville Recreation & Parks. A graduate of UNC-Greensboro, Kristen Denton joined the staff in Holly Springs in 2004 as the community center administrator. During this time she learned the importance of paying attention to details, anticipating patrons’ needs, communication skills and not getting frustrated. In 2006, she joined the athletics staff for the town. Since then, participation numbers have grown every year. Kristen earned her CPRP in March 2012. Under her leadership, Holly Springs has hosted numerous SWAC tournaments and Kristen is an active member of the committee and has served on the planning committee for the Athletic Directors Workshop. Don Octigan has been a full-time employee with Greenville Recreation and Parks since 2006 and worked part time while in college at East Carolina University. Initially, he was hired as a recreation program assistant working with programs and supervising facilities at H. Boyd Lee Park. In 2008 he was promoted to his current position of recreation supervisor for Youth Athletics. Don is a CPRP, serves on the Athletic Directors Workshop planning committee and was recently voted baseball coordinator by the SWAC committee. Don has served as tournament director for several SWAC basketball tournaments and served as the volunteer committee chair for the 2012 State Conference. He attended and successfully completed NRPA’s Supervisor’s Management School in 2010/2011.
NCRPA also recognized three member agencies for successful Arts & Humanities programs and one Innovative Program Award winner. The Arts and Humanities Awards were presented to Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation for their Hoops and Hope Service Project; Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources for Applause! and FATE present AS YOU LIKE IT; and Garner Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources for Theatre Basics Camp. The Innovative Program Award was presented to Haw River State Park for their Grand Camp at the Summit Environmental Education Center. The Hoops and Hope Service Project took place on MLK day in 2012. This partnership with the Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture allowed students to participate in service projects while learning about arts and culture. The day was completed with attending a Charlotte Bobcats game. Eighteen students grades 4th – 10th grade participated and this program addressed the critical need of exposure, awareness and service for the students. Applause! Cary’s Youth Theatre and Free Association Theatre Ensemble (FATE) offered Shakespeare’s “As you Like It” as the first collaborative production between the two groups. This allowed the youth actors to work alongside adult actors and showcase the individual strengths of both programs. This was an extremely positive activity for all involved and feedback from the participants expressed an interest in another collaborative effort. Garner’s Theatre Basics Camp is a five-week program that teaches the basics of theatre including song, dance, and improvisation skills. Created in 2007, this program has grown to 120 campers and 150 volunteers. This program was created due to a lack of an affordable summer theatre camp in the community in partnership with Towne Players of Garner, a local community theatre group. The camp is for children ages 5-19. Grand Camp at the Summit Environmental Center at Haw River State Park received the Innovative Program Award. This camp for rising 2nd-8th graders and their grandparent(s)
What does it mean to CREATE, CONNECT and CAPTURE? BY KATHY CAPPS GRANTS AND RISK MANAGER RALEIGH PARKS & RECREATION
The 2013 NC/SC Recreation and Park Associations Joint Conference theme is “Create, Connect, Capture.” So what does that mean exactly? We CREATE experiences, spaces and places. This can include innovative design, building healthy places, fostering complete communities, programs, partnerships, holistic solutions, community, ideas, balance, support, equity in distribution of services, new technologies, or going green to build a sustainable community. We CONNECT people, organizations and communities. This includes community-oriented government, greenways, coming together to network/share, resources, local economy, environmental, public participation, technology, “Live, Work, Play,” and cross-disciplinary opportunities. We CAPTURE successes, needs and ideas. This can be demographics, technology, data, partnerships, evaluation, history and sense of place. How will you CREATE, CONNECT and CAPTURE? Join us in Raleigh from November 10 to 12 to find out more!
offers programs in interpretive and environmental education, hiking, fishing and nightly campfire fun. The program strengthens family ties and encourages healthy outdoor activities for both populations. Serving 178 campers, the program focuses on learning and sharing adventures while creating lifelong memories. NCRPA congratulates all of our winners and encourages everyone to consider nominating a deserving individual or program in 2013! Spring 2013 • NCRPA news 15
unDer COnStruCtiOn
New Bern acquires 30 acres for park development
Raising the roof in Knightdale
BY THURMAN HARDISON, DIRECTOR, NEW BERN PARKS & RECREATION
BY TINA CHEEK, DIRECTOR KNIGHTDALE PARKS & RECREATION
New Bern Parks and Recreation has acquired a 30-acre tract of land, off Hwy 70 East, in the Pembroke Community for future park development. The property is adjacent to a manmade lake the city also owns, and will be part of the overall development. Park specifics have not been determined, but the site has the makings for a district park, offering both active and passive amenities. Preliminary inspections will be made in the coming months, followed by the development of a site plan. We are pleased and excited about this opportunity.
Got parks? We do! BY PAT CORINTH, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, GASTONIA PARKS & RECREATION
Gastonia Parks and Recreation enjoyed the unique opportunity of having three major capital projects underway in 2012. Lineberger Park and Pool kicked off the summer season in June with the first grand opening. The Lineberger Park Phase II renovation was a facelift of an older, central city park, and included $760,000 to add a restroom building, add sidewalks to improve accessibility, add a new playground apparatus and surfacing, add an improved Vietnam War Memorial feature and reconfigure parking, all of which improved the flow and function of the park. The $1 million pool renovation involved the demolition of the 60-year-old pool to create an accessible and family-friendly facility with slide and water play features. The bathhouse received interior upgrades. Rankin Lake Park launched operations for the Labor Day holiday weekend. The $3.2 million dollar renovation expanded park use to include an 80-acre lake. A PARTF grant provided $372,000 in funding of new amenities including two fishing piers, one viewing pier, a boat dock with handicap accessibility, rental boats, a lake office, a restroom building, two extra-large shelters, two horseshoe courts, an outdoor classroom, more than two miles of paved trails including around the lake, two boardwalks over an existing creek, new parking areas and improvements to the existing parking lot, clubhouse and playground. The park had more than 15,000 visitors during the first month of operation, with 1,638 fishing permits issued and 659 boat rentals. Site Solutions was the site architect for both park projects. MBAJ Architecture designed restroom and office structures. Southern Pools was the pool architect with waterslide and play features by AquaBlue International.
We’re raising the roof in Knightdale — literally. As shown in the photo, workers from Asheville Playgrounds raised a roof onto our new barn structure. The date of completion for our new Destination Playground, as well as Phase 1 of the new Knightdale Station, is July 2013. Phase 1 will include the playground, a 50-person picnic shelter, a bathroom facility, three multi-purpose fields, two miles of 10-foot asphalt greenway and a dog park. Our massive barn structure is the center of the playground with play panels, tubes, climbing apparatus and slides— even a silo slide! Other items in the playground include spring toys and a swing set area including a zero-g swing and an oodle swing. The chicken coop and train are for the two- to five-year-olds and offer climbing apparatuses, slides and an interactive egg game. We’re especially excited about this new park for two reasons: first, it’s within walking distance of our small downtown area, which is currently under renovation; second, our people are also excited about it. A recent bond referendum to help pay for Phase 2 drew a 78 percent positive rate from voters. Knightdale Station will give our growing community a central place for athletics, arts and music.
W.E. Hunt Recreation Center dedication BY JULIA MEDER, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, HOLLY SPRINGS PARKS & RECREATION
On December 12, the Town of Holly Springs hosted a dedication ceremony for the W.E. Hunt Recreation Center. For years the W.E. Hunt Community Center provided Holly Springs a home for leisure programs, fitness classes, after-school care, track-out and summer camps, a fitness center and athletics. The former elementary school was purchased by the town in 1996 from the Wake County Public School System. With the help of a parks and recreation bond, the department opened its first facility. For 15 years the building underwent numerous repairs to stay in operation. In 2009, town council approved construction for a new facility. With financial support from Capital Bank, $6.5 million dollars was spent to build a much-needed recreation center. The 29,720-square-foot building includes several classrooms, a game room, an indoor running track, an outdoor basketball court and a fitness center. The new facility was renamed the W.E. Hunt Recreation Center and opened in July 2011. Since opening, registration numbers for the department are at an all-time high and fitness center member numbers have tripled. The new center has created a hub of activity for the community and the home of programs for years to come.
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Davidson County Recreation and Parks has new park BY SCOTT HULIN, ATHLETIC PROGRAM MANAGER, DAVIDSON COUNTY RECREATION & PARKS
On November 29, 2012, Davidson County Recreation and Parks took over ownership of East Davidson Hughes Community Park. The Davidson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the park from the park’s board of directors on September 25, 2012. The park was built in 1998 and was run privately, serving those living in the East Davidson community. The Recreation and Parks Department has been using the park for its baseball and softball program since the park was built. The board of directors believed wholeheartedly that the park would be best served through ownership by Davidson County Recreation and Parks. We will continue using the park for its programming, as well as renting the park for weekend tournaments. The facility is 17 acres and already has a 300-foot baseball field, two 200-foot baseball fields, a picnic shelter, a concession stand, restrooms, and two regulation soccer fields that will be renovated before being used. The staff is currently studying what other amenities will be developed at the park to help serve the citizens of Davidson County.
Wilson Park multi-use path BY WENDELL C. RODGERS, FACILITIES ADMINISTRATOR CARRBORO RECREATION & PARKS
The Town of Carrboro completed construction in early December on a 10-foot wide multi-use path from the southern section of Wilson Park to Estes Drive Extension. This 2,200 linear foot asphalt path was designed to meet AASHTO, NCDOT and town standards. Construction began in August, replacing an existing dirt trail that runs northwest through the park along an OWASA easement. The multi-use path terminates at a pedestrian crossing where the bike lanes can be accessed on Estes Drive Extension. The Town of Carrboro initiated the Bolin Greek Greenway Master Plan in 2009 for the purposes of alternative transportation, recreation, environmental protection and restoration through Bolin Creek and Jones Creek corridors. This multiuse path is Phase 1A of the Town of Carrboro’s Bolin Creek Greenway Master Plan costing approximately $260,000 and was funded by a variety of local and state sources. The Town of Carrboro’s Planning, Public Works and Recreation and Parks departments worked collaboratively on this project.
Now open: Swansboro Recreation Center BY BRITTANY WOOD, DIRECTOR, SWANSBORO PARKS & RECREATION
The next time you’re in Swansboro, take the long way around and stop by Municipal Park to check out the new recreation center at 830 Main Street Ext. There certainly isn’t a shortage of things to do! The game room is home to a couple of computers, fitness gaming console, lounge area and pool table. Wi-Fi access is available throughout. The recreation classroom will facilitate a variety of classes throughout the year, from fishing seminars to CPR/First Aid training. Comment cards are always available at the front office for suggesting activities, classes and special events. There is a multi-purpose room; here you are likely to find the most FUN! Knitting, scrap-booking, cooking classes, ballroom dancing and the list goes on for this room. The Fitness Room, in memory of Brynn Ashton, is useful whether you are looking to maintain a strict workout regime, or simply take a walk. LIKE us on Facebook at the Town of Swansboro to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and activities at the Recreation Center and around town! Hope to see you “re-create-ing” soon!
Mount Holly renovates River Street Park BY MARK JUSKO, RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT, MOUNT HOLLY PARKS & RECREATION
River Street Park in Mount Holly has undergone a major renovation over the past 12 months. The park is located on Dutchman’s Creek in Mount Holly. The renovation was made possible by a $1 million Community Development Block Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance, of which $150,000 was used on the park. Additions to the park have included a new playground, nine-hole disc golf course, kayak launch and signage. The existing shelters and bathrooms also were renovated with new roofs. Landscaping improvements included planting Leland Cypresses and installing new sidewalks and a split rail fence. New backboards also were added to the basketball court, and new volleyball standards will be added to the sand volleyball court. Next time you are in Mount Holly, please stop by River Street Park and check it out.
Spring 2013 • NCRPA news 17
People in the News The Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture (PARC) Department has promoted John DeKemper to assistant director. John has been working for Cornelius for five years as a park planner, managing capital and special projects. Previously, he worked for more than 20 years with the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. ♦
Cornelius PARC has hired Jen Crickenberger as the new recreation & arts programs coordinator. Jen was most recently the director of education for The Light Factory in Charlotte. Jen received a BFA with a concentration in photography from UNC Charlotte and continues to work as an installation and photographic artist. ♦
Greensboro Parks and Recreation bids farewell to seven individuals with a combined total of more than 200 years of service to the City of Greensboro. Longtime employees Jean Jackson, athletics director; Don Tilley, assistant athletics director; Weesie Person, recreation superintendent; Martha Cook, mainstream resources director; Doreen Bryant, safety administrator; Harold Gunn, country park program specialist; and CJ Foster, office manager retired in October or November 2012. ♦
Londa Strong, director of the Cabarrus County Active Living and Park was recognized for 30 years of service. More than anything, Strong recognizes the importance of listening to our citizens and she inspires each county employee to find and hold on to the fun in our work. ♦
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was bestowed upon former NCRPA Executive Director Mike Waters at the Annual Conference in Greenville. Congratulations Mike! ♦
Marcelle Williams has been selected as recreation administration specialist for Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. Marcelle brings more than 15 years of parks and recreation experience in administration, supervision and management and will be responsible for working with department budgeting, finance, accreditation and advisory boards. ♦
Gary Pressley, senior park supervisor for High Point Parks & Recreation, retired on December 31 after more than 40 years of service. Gary has long been a fixture at High Point City Lake Park. He is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.
18 NCRPA news • Spring 2013
Latasha McKiver has been hired as the new recreation coordinator for Salisbury’s City Park Center. Latasha joined our department on November 11, 2012 and brings more than 10 years of experience in community relations having previously worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater High Point and the City of High Point. ♦
Lynne Mullins, Raleigh Parks and Recreation assistant recreation superintendent, retired January 1, after 27 years of dedicated service. She was Parks & Recreation and Raleigh Employee of the Year in 2005. Lynne was a trained crowd manager and fire watch personnel for events. Her talents will be missed! ♦
Daniel Stines joined Mooresville’s Cultural & Recreation Department in December as the new Parks & Recreation Supervisor. He comes to Mooresville from Morganton, where he most recently served as parks superintendent. Stines assisted the City of Morganton in creating the Art in the Park Festival, their Adopt a Park program, and worked with the Red, White and Bluegrass Festival and created Morganton’s Outdoor Programs. ♦
Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks welcome Makenzie Mullinax as the new program coordinator at the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center. She has a BS in Exercise Science and a minor in Health and Gerontology from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. ♦
High Point Parks & Recreation welcomed Lee Tillery as assistant director in January. He comes to High Point with 16 years of experience working with departments in Statesville, Lenoir, Cornelius, and most recently as director in Matthews. We look forward to working with Lee in his new position. ♦
Kobeyeh R. Riley joined Mooresville’s Cultural & Recreation Department in December 2012 as the new recreation center supervisor. He previously worked for Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. While there he worked with patrons in parks, greenways, special events, program and facility administration. In 2012, Riley won the NCRPA Innovative Program Award.
THE SHORT SIDE
Don’t Worry. I Got This. BY DAVID LEE, DIRECTOR WILSON PARKS & RECREATION
M
Y MOM reminded me of this story from my earlier years the other day that I thought was pretty interesting. It was around 1974 and I was playing baseball in Greenville in a league they called Small Fry. We were at Elm Street Park, the stands were packed with parents and the sun was shining. It was your regular youth baseball game on a weekday afternoon. I came to bat, dug in for the first pitch, and my mom did her usual thing. She started cheering for her six-year-old son. She wasn’t doing anything that the other moms didn’t do. She was supporting her son. She wasn’t yelling at the umpire, she wasn’t running down the other team and she wasn’t heckling the pitcher. She was just cheering like mothers are supposed to do. Now, here is the interesting part. Apparently, I backed out of the batter’s box after the first pitch, called time, and walked over to the backstop. She said I motioned her over and whispered the following statement to her. “Mom, can you keep it down? You are starting to embarrass me. Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” Now, I don’t remember doing this, but my mom remembers it like it was yesterday. In a way, it is kind of funny now to think of a six-year-old asking for a little peace and quiet while he was trying to hit. I guess I was trying to concentrate or something and her cheering was bothering me. Who knows what I was thinking? These days I am on the other side of the backstop, I guess you could say. I’ve watched both of my two sons play a lot of games. I’ve cheered for them in some games and I’ve sat quiet and let them handle their business in most other games. I will admit I’ve felt the need to give “advice” that seemed to be of the utmost importance at the time during games although this urge seems to decrease the older they get. I’ve given
them the “thumbs up” for reassurance when they have stolen a look over at me in some games and I’ve pointed at my head when the game was getting tight and they needed to bare down and keep their focus at other times. But here is the thing. Am I really helping? I realize that both my sons hear my voice above all others during a game. It can be a crowded gym or a rocking baseball or soccer game and they will hear my voice every time. Good or bad. They hear the encouragement and they hear the occasional “advice” for lack of a better word. They see my smile after a good play and if I don’t watch it, they will see my frustration after a less than stellar play. And it is usually just takes a quick little glance for them to process what’s going on in the stands. My dad never missed a game. He never yelled. Good or bad. Most of the time, he just gave me a simple nod if I looked his way during a game. He didn’t give “advice” during a game. He would do some serious clapping when it got good on occasion, but that was about it. But guess what? I knew who he sat with. I knew who he talked to. I knew when he went to the bathroom and I knew what he got to eat
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and drink from the concession stand. I knew where he and my mom were at all times (my mom was easy to keep up with because she had a certain distinguishable shriek that rang out whenever things got tight). But let’s be honest, as parents, it sure is hard to sit and just watch our kids. We just want to help. It can be at a ballgame. It can be at a spelling bee. It can be chorus. Or it can be dance recital. We have to let go and let them develop and grow at their own pace and it is just about the hardest thing a parent has to do. Our kids have to compete. That’s part of life. They are going to win some. They are going to lose some. They are going to soar some days and come crashing down to earth on other days. Our job is to be there for them regardless of the outcome. They will figure it out. They will find their way. We did. So parents, let’s keep cheering and let’s keep encouraging because our kids are watching us out of the corner of their eye. They hear our voices above all others, so let’s watch what we say. We don’t want to embarrass them. Because I am sure if we asked them, they would tell us, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
Spring 2013 • NCRPA news 19 AM 5/11/11 10:37:10
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