A Publication of Recreation & Park Association VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 3 SEPTEMBER 2006

NRPANRPA CongressCongress p.p. 99 BestBest ManagementManagement PracticesPractices p.p. 1414 ParksParks Web-BasedWeb-Based MobileMobile TechnologyTechnology p.p. 1818 StarbucksStarbucks GrantsGrants AnotherAnother $450,000$450,000 p.p. 2222

We create community through people, parks and programs.

WRPA Today Guidelines for Style & Washington Recreation & Park Association Format can be found on 4405 7th Avenue SE, Suite 202 Lacey, WA 98503 the WRPA Web site. P: 360.459.9396 [email protected] F: 360.459.4160 wrpatoday.org 2006 Editorial Calendar contents December: copy and photo/artwork due October 10 President’s Message ...... 4 Executive Director’s Message ...... 5 New Members from the Last Six Months ...... 6 Spotlight Professional … in Parks and Recreation: Michelle Larson, CPRP ...... 8 NRPA ’06 Congress & Exposition ...... 9 : Community Energy Leads to Transformation ...... 12 BMPs in Parks — Part One of a Series ...... 14 Parks Web-Based Mobile Technology ...... 18 Family Fun Night ...... 21 Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program 2006 Grant Recipients ...... 22 The Newly Created and Not-Yet-Imitated CEC ...... 26 Dozer Day … “Where the Kids Drive” ...... 27 Shoreline Bond Passes! ...... 28 SB6775 Summary ...... 29 How to Join ...... 31 A Call for Cover Photos! A full-color cover photo reflecting the winter season will be featured on the December 2006 issue. Photos selected for the cover will represent a member, agency or organization. To submit cover photos for consideration (up to two per agency), please send via CD or e-mail About the Cover: directly to Colin Walker at [email protected]. Freeway Park, Parks & Deadline: October 10, 2006. Recreation. The site of the opening social for NRPA High-quality parks and recreation photos are needed! Congress on Wednesday, Photos considered for the magazine cover must be of October 11, 2006. the highest resolution (no smaller than 2.5 megs file See page 12 for the full story. size). The WRPA Public Relations Committee will review all submissions.

Questions regarding this style guide should be directed to Nancy Woo at 206.730.1514 or via e-mail to [email protected].

WRPA Public Relations Committee: Casey Stanley, Nancy WRPA Today is published by Innovative Publishing Ink. Woo, Colin Walker, Brian Meyer, and Kevin Henry 10629 Henning Way, Suite 8, Louisville, KY 40241 • 502.423.7272 or 866.423.7523 Innovative Publishing Ink specializes in creating custom magazines for associations and businesses. Please direct inquiries to Aran Jackson at For ad sales, call Bryan Zehnder of Innovative [email protected]. Publishing Ink (IPI) at 502.423.7272. www.ipipublishing.com

WRPA Today 3 Peter Mayer

4 WRPA Today Executive Director’s Message hauling Mount Vernon kids in a Mercer Island bus and, within minutes, had received via fax the needed paperwork from Mount Vernon’s parks and recreation director, Larry Otos.

The next challenge resolved itself rather easily. Ironically, I had a Wednesday-morning meeting already scheduled in Mount Vernon with the Park Ranger Academy Advisory WRPA Board, so I quickly went home, packed an overnight bag and picked up my son, Zack, is blazing a Brit Kramer, CPRP, CAE from day care and headed back to the Community Center. During this time, Charlie most extraordinary year. Bryant, manager of the Community Center at Mercer View, was deployed to provide the kids some fun and snacks while they awaited It shows in our membership numbers — a big ol’ hug for Seattle their shuttle back to Hillcrest Park in Mount is due, as they look to bounce our membership easily over the Vernon. I greeted the kids and staff in the 1,800 mark by inviting a combination of over 300 Seattle staff parking lot, loaded them up in the city’s bus and citizen board members to join WRPA. Ken Bounds, B.J. and headed north. The staff made ongoing Brooks and their team of division leaders deserve a shout-out for status report calls to alert parents of our ETA. taking a fresh look at their state parks and recreation association Aside from one unscheduled potty break in and joining WRPA for all the right reasons. Everett, the trip took about two hours in rush-hour traffic, and folks arrived safe and sound at 7 pm in Mount Vernon. My 3-year- “A big ol’ hug for Seattle is due, as they old son thanked everyone for traveling on “his” bus. look to bounce our membership easily

Some humorous and harmless series of over the 1,800 mark by inviting a unfortunate events that tested the flexibility of combination of over 300 Seattle staff and some of our WRPA members in the heat of action! These kinds of circumstances may greet citizen board members to join WRPA.” you only occasionally, or sometimes a bit more frequently than you would like, but I’m often We welcome their renewed interest in membership and look impressed by your resourcefulness, good- forward to Seattle’s future participation and leadership naturedness and teamwork. I salute your throughout all levels of WRPA. flexibility in building community through people, parks, programs and partnerships! What is extraordinary about this year’s NRPA Congress? More than 10,000 of the most passionate parks and recreation Epilogue professionals, citizens and industry suppliers will gather in our Sometime later that evening, in Seattle, Nic state. More than 400 local volunteers will become a part of our was finally greeted by a Budget Tow Truck hosting team as we align our resources to manage all of the that responded from Mount Vernon, but Nic 280 educational sessions, 28 off-site institutes, two golf soon learned that he wasn’t the tow truck tournaments, a fun run, 14 leisure tours, grand opening and driver’s only stop. Nope. The driver, closing socials … with our Northwest attitudes of Starbucks accompanied by his charming girlfriend, coffee and REI wear on display. informed Nic that after loading up his van they had to pick up another stranded vehicle It’s an exciting time to be involved in WRPA. I appreciate the in South Seattle. Larry, Mike and I then tremendous support from our members who so willingly greeted Nic at a Red Robin hours later, where step forward to serve as leaders and participants of our Larry was gracious enough to buy a round of many, many committees. Through your service we are cold beverages for all (I had to prompt Larry making great strides and blazing one of the most for mine). extraordinary years in our association’s history.

In appreciation,

WRPA Today 5 New Members from the Last Six Months

Ryan Curren Adam Davault Garfield Teen Life Ctr- Magnolia Comm CTR- Kirsten Mathers Kristy Ferderer Seattle P&R Seattle P&R Jodie Hevelone Mazvita Mariare Jeremy Doane Alki Comm Ctr-Seattle P&R Robert Hill Darrell Drew John Hermann Michael Kranz Small Craft Ctr- Wayne Johnson Cedar Paddock Seattle P&R Magnuson Comm Ctr- Arica Slawson Jason Frisk Seattle P&R Amy Yee Tennis Ctr- Bret Soustegaard Karla Withrow Seattle P&R Sarah Swenson Helene Madison Pool- Mya Lockwood Seattle P&R Marysville P&R Robert Vaughn Chelan P&R Peter Brodkin Kayla Flynn Bill Hutsinpiller Dave Hall Auburn P&R Hiawatha Comm Ctr- Carmen Rasmussen Julie Brewer City Planner Div-Seattle P&R Seattle P&R Michael Robinson Kristen Brock Erin Devoto Grp Cynthia Etelamaki Leonard Elliot, Jr Kevin Stuppes Robert Wunder Meadowbrook Comm Ctr- Stephanie McPhail Seattle P&R Delridge Comm Ctr- High Point Comm Ctr- Terri Burns Bainbridge Island Seattle P&R Seattle P&R Metro P&R Allen Stowers Brian Judd Meadowbrook Pool- Jane Allen Elizabeth Stubblefield Seattle P&R Shannon Buxton DuPont P&R Scott Ferry Sue Hylan Darren de Guia Int'l Dist/Chinatown Comm Sarah Mathews Andrew Estep Ctr-Seattle P&R Medgar Evers Pool- Bob Mathisrud Maurice Toussaint Joann Aquino Seattle P&R Nancy Lee Rogers Kristen Schuler Jamie Welch Eastern WA University Jefferson Comm Ctr- Jamie Whitney Travis Fouts Seattle P&R Metro Parks Tacoma Andy Gardener Randy Smith Sangkros Lok Ballard Comm Ctr- Amanda Parker Seattle P&R LeRoy Woodrich Jefferson County P&R Miller Comm Ctr- Eugene Galvin Matt Tyler Seattle P&R Michael Yasutake Enterprise Div-Seattle P&R- Thavy Pen Eric Friedli Group Kelso P&R Ballard Pool-Seattle P&R Kevin Bergsrud Betty Erickson Monroe P&R Jenette Budrow Manuel Cawaling Mike Farrell Angela Eddy Charles Ng Kent P&R-City Administration Eugene Galvin Victoria Shoenburg Mark Hendrickson Montesano P&R Rich Klinger Comm Ctr- Enumclaw P&R Kitsap County P&R Seattle P&R Tracy Alexander Bruce Waterbury Montlake Comm Ctr- Julie Morse Seattle P&R Barb Wade Evans Pool-Seattle P&R Lacey P&R Charles Humphrie Steve Vela Brad Burdick Bothell P&R Moses Lake P&R Pat Parkhurst Everett P&R Laurelhurst Comm Ctr- Charlene Rios Paul Kaftanski Seattle P&R Camp Long-Seattle P&R Dena Schuler Mt Vernon P&R Sheila Brown Federal Way P&R Nick Lund Tim Dickinson Longview P&R -Seattle P&R Kaylin Inlow Newcastle P&R Belinda Chin Fieldturf/Sportech, Inc. Luann Webster Maiya Andrews Donny Jones Mark Garvin Central WA University Lynnwood Parks, Rec & Christopher Hills JD Bister Fife P&R Cultural Arts Koleen Morris Bree Branden Dave Kienlen Amy Collins Natalie Parker Teresa Burroyghs Travis Hutchins Kathleen Rogers Mari Burton Garfield Comm Ctr- Marianne Johnson Brian Smith Miranda Cervantes Seattle P&R Sandra Lamb Megan Crowley Anita Adams Kristin Price

6 WRPA Today Normandy P&R Don Brooks Soilogix, Inc. Stefani Boyer Joe Peritore Sandy Brooks Paul Ludington Diana Burr Greg Bucasas Josh Chrisman Park & Restroom Structures Lori Chisholm South Park Comm Ctr- Tony Clark Nick Bianco Dennis Cook Seattle P&R Johs Conlee Rory Denovan Ron Davis Jeana Couchman Prosser P&R Sue DeNure Merisa Dana Casey Gast Erin Devoto Southwest Comm Ctr- Mike Desisto Shawn VanWinkle Michele Finnegan Seattle P&R Brittany Ellinsgsen Rebecca Fong Naseri Kitiona Paul Faraca Queen Anne Comm Ctr- Eric Friedli Collin Ferris Seattle P&R James Frost Spokane County Parks, Sofia Foster Gina Saxby Desiree Girard Rec & Golf Cara Frank Sonny Gloria Gary Lawton Michelle Frank Queen Anne Pool- Susan Golub Aric Gaither Seattle P&R Joe Green Spokane Valley P&R Margaret Gautuier Janet Wilson Colleen Hackett Jennifer Cusick Daniel Gee Paula Hoff Stacy Graber Rainier Beach Comm Ctr- Michele Lavin Thurston County Katlyn Griese Seattle P&R Bardow Lewis Margaret Huff Joshua Grubb Martha Anderson Jeff Lewis Rebecca Oetter Tiffani Harris Jon Martin Brain Hayter Rainier Beach Pool- Patrick Merriam United Pipe & Supply Melissa Heron Seattle P&R Jim Mulryan John Hutchinson Carrie Hillberdink Donna Sammons Heidi Narte Carly Hubbard Rodney Nealer Van Asselt Comm Ctr- Sarah Johnson Rainier Comm Ctr- Phuong Nguyen Seattle P&R Katie Jones Seattle P&R Lisa Papineau Clint Hooper Brandon Larson James Bush Jim Perry Kristin Lavelle Dewey Potter Vancouver-Clark P&R Brain Linger Ravenna-Eckstein Comm Mary Preus Lisa Deane Heather Lobb Ctr-Seattle P&R Peggy Pullen Chelsea Mawson Trevor Gregg Jackie Ramels Vortex Aquatic Structures Caleb Mayer Julius Rayray International, Inc. Patrick Merrfied Redmond P&R Phil Renfro John Mejia Samual Miller Mary Bourguiguon Charles Sablan Jim Moore Terri Dige Kevin Schmidt WA State Parks Micheal Moore Emily Duncanson Patsy Siegismund Clyde Anderson Katherine Murphy Robert Stowers Kate Burke Venessa Nguyen Samena Club David Takami Terry Doran Emily Oldis Tonya Swick Jeanie Taylor Mickey Fearn Karteka (Teka) Parks Jesse Thomas Troy Fitzsimmons Lisa Pendergrast San Juan County P&R Cynthia Thurmond Mark Gillespie Troy Peterson Linda Ann Vorobik Chris Williams Jim Harris Alyssa Pitingoro Stacie Williams Judy Johnson Stefan Schmich Scottco Distributors, Inc. Steve Johnson Carrie Sharkey Gary Scott Shoreline Parks Rec & J Paul Malmberg Micheal Siwell Cultural Services Bob Peterson Lauren Sytsma Sea Tac P&R Maureen Colaizzi Dr. Eliot Scull Katie Tayler Roger Chouinard Tyce Murphy Joe Taller Nicholas White Gina Shaw Joan Thomas Dani Wiley Skagit County P&R Cecilia Vogt Seth Williams Seattle P&R Jessica Steinborn Jeanne Wahler Selva Wohlgemuth Steve Akau Jessica Zemke Don Allen Snohomish County P&R Walla Walla P&R Bob Baines Kay Akerlund Shane Laib Western Wood Structures, Inc. Carol Baker Randy Brockway Howard Pettyjohn Lisa Bannister Ted Baker Ernie Butler Sandi Bell Debbie Carlson-Gould Western WA University Yesler Comm Ctr- Kathleen Blanchard Marc Krandel Adres Amador Seattle P&R Jody Blecksmith Mark Spada Cari Arneson Shari Watts Terry Boden Lindsy Bain Rosellen Brittenham Shellby Bordson

WRPA Today 7 SPOTLIGHT PROFESSIONAL ...in Parks and Recreation

Michelle Larson, CPRP

Describe the scope of your position in Parks and Recreation: aspects of recreation, from youth to adult and people with I oversee all community recreation and athletic programs for the developmental disabilities ... I am a part of what makes their life city of Enumclaw to include youth and adult sports leagues, complete. It is such an awesome feeling! classes, special events, day camps and inclusive recreation. My position also entails recruiting and hiring, managing budget, What has been your biggest professional challenge? marketing and customer service. As crazy as it sounds, this position, though I love it, has been my biggest challenge. There are so many aspects to being the How long have you been with your present agency? recreation coordinator for Enumclaw. I wear many hats, and I have been with Enumclaw for four years now. sometimes, new things come up that I would have never anticipated being a part of my job. But I guess that is what keeps Background experience and previous careers? me challenged and makes life interesting! When I was 16, I started working for the city of Auburn as a scorekeeper and went on to be a recreation leader and What do you do to relax? instructor for summer special events, T-ball and preschool I love spending time with my husband, Troy, and daughter, programs. After I graduated from CWU (Go Cats!), I interned Jolee. One of my favorite things to do is take a trip to the with the city of Federal Way before I was hired as a part-time Oregon Dunes for a week of riding my four-wheeler with family recreation assistant with the city of Puyallup. That position and friends. Otherwise, I enjoy walking, reading a good eventually went full-time, where I worked for two and a half magazine, watching Law and Order: SVU and Days of Our Lives, years before coming to Enumclaw. and in the summer, spending time at the lake sunning, swimming, and barbecuing. What were some of your first jobs and what did you learn from them? What’s the best advice you can give to someone starting out When I worked in Auburn at a young age, I learned that you in the field of parks & recreation? always have to be prepared! The day-to-day is never the same Use your resources! Call on anyone in our field for help when in parks and recreation. I learned that you have to always be on you have a question. That is why networking is so important. your toes, be prepared for situations to change in a heartbeat, Utilize WRPA for training opportunities to always better yourself. and have a backup plan! You just have to be able to wing it! Get involved!

Why are you passionate about the parks & recreation field? Personal philosophy? I love to be a part of something that makes positive differences “Slow down and take the time to really see. Take a moment in people’s lives. I get to see kids grow up in our programs, and to see what is going on around you right now, right where I get to know our community. I am such a people person, and you are. You may be missing something wonderful.” in this field, you work and interact with people of the — J. Michael Thomas community. I am blessed that I get to be a part of multiple

8 WRPA Today

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Delegates, Advancing parks and recreation requires a steadfast you, as you’ll see within the pages of this preliminary program. commitment to sharing experiences, increasing knowledge and I hope you will take time to peruse the array of opportunities bringing our collective voices together as a national association. that await you. And if you need more information, please visit our Web site at www.npra.org/congress, or call us directly at NRPA understands the funding and travel challenges faces by 800.626.NPRA (6772). many park and recreation agencies. At the same time, these and other issues are the very reasons it is important to attend the We look forward to seeing you in Seattle! 2006 Congress & Exposition. The energy and enthusiasm created by bringing professionals and citizen-advocates together every Sincerely, year is what fuels the momentum for parks and recreation. John A. Thorner, CAE The NPRA Program Committee, Seattle Local Host Committee Executive Director and NRPA staff have planned an extraordinary experience for Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, October 8 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 6-7:30 p.m. 2-5 p.m. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Off-Site Institute Welcome Party Education Sessions Aquatic Facility Operator Course (Day 1) 9:30 a.m.-Noon Thursday, October 12 6-7 p.m. Outdoor Play Value - 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Branch/Section Awards Monday, October 9 Presented by Gametime Registration and Receptions 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibitor Move-In 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 7-9 a.m. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Golf Tournament - #2 Fun Run/Fun Walk Closing Party 8 a.m.-5 p.m. National Playground Safety 12:45-5 p.m. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Schedule and times subject to Institute Course (Day 1) Education Sessions Education Sessions change. Additional fees may apply to select events. Please 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, October 11 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. refer to the registration form Aquatic Facility Operator EXCLUSIVE EXHIBIT Off-Site Institutes for pricing information. Course (Day 2 and Exam) HALL HOURS! 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thank You to Our Local Tuesday, October 10 Registration Exhibit Hall Open Host Sponsors: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration 8-10:45 a.m. 2-5 p.m. Education Sessions Education Sessions 8 a.m.-Noon New Camp Administrator 8-11 a.m. Friday, October 13 Orientation ACA/NRPA National Playground Safety 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Institute Course (Exam) Registration 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Golf Tournament-#1 8-11 a.m. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Off-Site Institutes Education Sessions 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibitor Move-In 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open Off-Site Institutes 8 a.m.-5 p.m. National Playground Safety 4-6 p.m. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Institute Course (Day 2) Opening General Session Exhibit Hall Open

10 WRPA Today WRPA Today 11 Freeway Park: Community Energy Leads to Transformation … –by Susanne K. Friedman

What does it take to make a beloved park vibrant? To make a park vibrant after years of less-than-optimal use takes a willing, active community voice, one that does not shy away from demanding change, but that is ready and willing to form a partnership in transformation. It takes strong leadership, solid planning principles, public-private partnerships, and support for great work that Seattle Parks and Recreation staff do every day. Seattle Parks and Recreation and the community organizations for a wide have been funded by money raised by Freeway Park Neighborhood Association variety of neighborhood-based projects, FPNA, ranging from $50,000 in in-kind (FPNA) partnered to organize a series of and contracted with Project for Public donations for the 8th Avenue underpass community workshops and meetings Spaces, Inc. (PPS) to work with parks, to $12,000 for summer concerts in the starting in October 2004. More than stakeholders and community groups in park. FPNA has also contributed 140 participants contributed ideas and developing strategies to activate the park. monetarily to the hiring of the recommendations that led to a strategic Metropolitan Improvement District, a plan for revitalizing the park. Support The goal was to develop a program plan private security company that is an arm also came from a “client group” with a range of activities to draw of the Association, to comprised of representatives from the together members of Seattle’s diverse provide additional security in the park. FPNA, Mayor Greg Nickels’ office, the Downtown and adjacent First Hill These funds were used to leverage the Downtown Seattle Association, the communities — families, visitors, local city’s financial support of over $300,000 Washington State Convention and Trade businesses, and neighbors — by for development to date. Center, the Seattle Design Commission, providing opportunities for social Seattle Parks and Recreation, and local interaction and improving security in Problems that Once Plagued businesses and non-profit organizations the park. Activities in Freeway Park Freeway Park surrounding the park. would enhance security and make it more viable as a place not only for those • Lack of activity. There was little to In 2004, FPNA received a Neighborhood active amenities but also for the do in Freeway Park. Office workers Matching Fund award from Seattle’s pleasures of quiet and stillness. used some areas around the Department of Neighborhoods for a Convention Center and around Park portion of the 2004 Activation Project. FPNA has been active since 1993, Place to smoke, eat lunch on nice Parks matched this contribution with organizing neighbors and property days, and socialize. Much of the rest funds from the Neighborhood Response owners and raising funds and awareness of the park was underused, other Fund, a city grant program that provides of issues surrounding the iconic Freeway than by people walking through. cash grants to neighborhood and Park. Over the years, many park projects

12 WRPA Today • Poor perception. Many people a wide variety of color with annual park was recently designated a Wi-Fi considered the park to be unsafe; to beds, mounded grass berms for hot spot to provide free wireless others, it was dark and bleak. sitting, and a light, airy tree canopy. Internet access for park users. Although actual crimes in the park Parks is improving sunlight and plant have not been numerous, and variety by: • Enhancing the relationship between security patrols have increased in • Selective tree removal and tree the “inner” and “outer” park by recent months, the presence of replacement program. creating connections with future people sleeping and using or • Restoration of annual planting beds, development around the park. dealing drugs had given the park a (major kudos go to parks grounds Developers adjacent to the park are poor reputation. staff for their amazing work and working with Parks, other city dedication to this Seattle landmark). departments, and FPNA to integrate • Poor connection to adjacent • Dialog and intensive collaboration their architectural design seamlessly buildings. The park was poorly with the original designer on the with the park through direct physical connected, both physically and visually, project, Angela Danadjieva. connections and clear sightlines. to the buildings around it. As a result, • Creation of a modern, updated people in these buildings were not landscape planting plan by • Mechanical restoration and mainten- providing the much-needed “eyes on Angela Danadjieva. ance. Parks is restoring the fountains’ the park” form of informal security. • Restoration of the original wood mechanical systems. While the Cascade and concrete benches throughout and Canyon fountains’ pump systems • Hidden entrances. Despite the many the park. have been reduced by one third over entrances into Freeway Park, most the years for water conservation were not clearly marked, and • Improving access and safety in the reasons, those fountains are currently concrete walls and indirect staircases park with visible entrances, lighting, up and running. Parks is conducting an blocked the views into the park. and way-finding signs. To accomplish engineering analysis of Pigott corridor Several routes were well used and needed visibility and views into and to assess renovation options. could attract more people into the throughout the park, parks is: park if improved. • Selectively removing trees and • Developing an active management implementing a tree replacement and funding strategy. Parks is • Inadequate signs. Inadequate signs program. Under the tree working, in the context of made orientation within Freeway Park management plan established for recommendations from the Mayor’s confusing, particularly for first-time the park, 1/3 of the identified 60 Center City Parks Initiative (a series of visitors. Orientation is further trees have been removed, allowing actions for revitalizing all of Seattle's complicated by sightlines that were for sunlight, sunbathing, and the center city parks, including Freeway often blocked by high walls of concrete opportunity for under-story plant Park), on a plan for active and overgrown evergreen trees. restoration. management that includes a • Renovating the lighting systems. development funding strategy, • Lack of a broad management Analysis and development of an enhanced security, creative public- strategy that goes beyond main- additional pedestrian lighting plan private partnerships, events program tenance. There was no entity that had for Piggot corridor is underway. planning, concessions, and enhanced responsibility for managing the activities • Creating and installing directional grounds maintenance. that need to occur to make Freeway signs and way-finding kiosks with Park into an important place. maps of the park, the neighbor- Future work is anticipated for the hood, and the city. landscape renovation, fountain Seattle Parks and restoration, and the renovation and Recreation Response • Increasing activity in the park and augmentation of pedestrian lighting in providing amenities. Angela the main park. Seattle Parks and Recreation responded Danadjieva’s original concept for to these problems by: Freeway Park included the vision of The park will be the opening reception • Improving the park while cafés from adjoining development venue for the upcoming National Parks respecting its original design spilling into the park while patrons and Recreation Congress that will be vocabulary, and restoring the enjoyed lunchtime concerts. Parks is held October 10-14, 2006 at the park’s original experiences, reactivating the park through free Washington State Convention and Trade optimizing sunlight and forest lunchtime concerts, exercise and Center. This event kicks off a week-long areas with plant management. walking programs, Seattle Public gathering of park and recreation When it was built in the mid-1970s, Theater Youth Troupe performances, professionals, citizen groups, open- Freeway Park was structurally and Friends of Seattle Public Library Used space supporters and volunteers from architecturally innovative. Originally, Book Cart and providing outdoor around the nation. Freeway Park’s planting plan included tables and chairs. In addition, the

WRPA Today 13 BMPs in Parks – Part One of a Series by Alan Haywood

It wasn’t that long ago that park systems had manuals that were filled with SOPs — Standard Operating Procedures. Following these SOPs was known as “doing it by the book.” So long as you followed procedures, you were doing the right thing and shouldn’t get in trouble or cause any problems. At least, that was the theory. A few years ago, a new acronym began popping up — BMP. That stood for Best Management Practices. It didn’t take long for the new term to catch on and become the latest trend.

How do BMPs differ from SOPs? Are they been described as “an ideal to reach for Grass only actively grows when there is really different at all or is it just another rather than a goal to obtain.” Site adequate soil moisture. Without the name for the same thing? A good managers have had to examine all of moisture, the grass goes dormant. It question. In many ways, BMPs are similar their current practices to see if they begins actively growing again when to SOPs. The difference is in the focus. could be accurately be defined as water is provided. SOPs were developed to increase “sustainable.” For instance, are the efficiency and safety. The SOP was the chemicals (cleaners, fertilizers, etc.) you In nature, grass begins growing when organization’s approved method of doing use to do your job the most the soil temperatures warm up in the business that was cost-effective and safe environmentally friendly, or are there spring and there is plenty of moisture, for the employee and the customer. BMPs alternative methods or materials that either from rain or snowmelt. When the added another layer to the equation. would work that would have less spring rains let up and the warm Besides efficiency and safety, now impact? How about your site cleanup summer temperatures arrive, the grass environmental responsibility was added. program? Are recyclables sorted out would go to seed and go dormant until Practices that are safe, efficient and have from the garbage and litter? How about cooler temperatures and fall rains the least amount of harmful impact to the your water usage? Are you wasting triggered some more growth. This environment are Best Management water by allowing it to run down the growth would shut down as the Practices. Generally speaking, a BMP will storm drain when your irrigation system temperatures got colder and the grass sacrifice some efficiency or economy to is running? These are just a few would go dormant again until the achieve some reduced impact to the examples of sustainability concerns that following spring. It has worked that way environment. BMPs are considered could change the way a park for millions of years. It has only been in “sustainable” practices — another term department does business. the last couple of centuries that we have that has come into use in the last few altered that natural cycle to suit our own years and has now become a common One of the biggest components of most purposes. The practice of mowing and goal of many agencies. park systems is landscape maintenance. irrigating our turf has allowed us to The biggest component of the create the parks and sports fields that Sustainability is a concept that has not landscape is often turf. It often follows are the basis of many of our recreational been clearly defined. It has to do with that the turf, then, is the biggest user of activities. This man-made practice uses ecological, economic and social resources. The resource it uses most that resources to achieve its ends. The sustainability. The idea is to use methods has to be applied artificially is usually natural cycle is totally sustainable — that will work indefinitely without water. (Just be glad that we don’t have relying on the resources that are causing long-term harm to the system. to apply sunlight or air artificially!) Most naturally present and available and Sustainable practices include recycling sports fields and even ornamental turf recycling them for continual reuse. Our materials, utilizing renewable energy receive supplemental irrigation during challenge is to manage our facilities in a sources, minimizing the use of synthetic summer dry months. It has to, if we manner that is also sustainable that will chemicals, adapting site use to the want the grass to be healthy and not use up scarce resources, but also existing environment, conserving attractive and stand up to the wear and recycle them for future generations to natural resources, etc. Sustainability has tear of active recreational activities. enjoy. That is where the BMPs come in.

14 WRPA Today Because water is a limited resource and irrigation system operation and to design for. All sprinkler heads on a is in high demand for residential use, maintenance. All of these need to zone should have a matched agriculture, public health and industry, operate with the same goals in mind. If precipitation rate and be nozzled there are probably more BMPs for the system is designed well, but correctly for head-to-head coverage. proper water use and irrigation than any operated poorly, there will be little Pipes and valves have to be sized other park maintenance program. The savings. If the system is designed poorly correctly to deliver the correct amount Irrigation Association, the largest and savings are tried to be found of water volume and pressure for the irrigation industry trade organization, through operations, it will be difficult system to function properly. The system developed irrigation BMPs a few years and time-consuming with only a small should be automatic with a ago. Their criteria for an effective turf amount of savings achieved. programmable controller. The controller and landscape irrigation BMP were that Maintenance staff usually finds this to be should be capable of multiple irrigation they must be broadly applicable to any the most frustrating way of operating, cycles. Water saving devices should be location, water-conserving through but it is very common with old systems. included — rain sensors, soil moisture protection of water quality and quantity, If the system is installed poorly, it meters and wind sensors. Ideally the sustainable by allowing for compounds whatever design or system would be connected to a improvements through technology and maintenance issues exist and often weather station that would record the knowledge, and economically feasible. results in unwanted surprises at evapotranspiration data. A master valve From these criteria, five turf and inopportune times. should be part of the design to reduce landscape irrigation best management system leakage and to reduce water loss practices were developed. They are: It all starts with design. A good design will in due to pipe breaks. Pressure reducing take into account a number of factors: valves and pressure compensating heads • Assure overall quality of the irrigation • Soil type/condition and infiltration rate reduce water waste by limiting spray system • Plant types, their individual water misting and also reduce wear on the • Design the irrigation system for requirements, their treatment and nozzles and other parts. Low-pressure the efficient and uniform distribution placement in the landscape systems have less wear over time and of water • Site microclimates, sun exposure usually require fewer repairs. Anti-drain • Install the irrigation system to meet and wind check valves keep water from draining the design criteria • Site grade and slopes out of the lowest sprinkler head of a • Maintain the irrigation system for • Size and use of the site zone after the system has run. optimum performance • Water availability and source as well • Manage the irrigation system to as available flow and pressure Drip irrigation systems used in shrub respond to the changing requirement • Annual precipitation data and beds and flower planters can have for water in the landscape historical evapotranspiration rates efficiency ratings of 90% or higher if • Construction budget, landscape value designed correctly. Drip emitters should These all-desirable goals that will and water cost be placed uphill of the plant they are conserve water and use it efficiently in meant to irrigate if they are on a slope. the landscape. The question becomes, The goal of the system should be the They are often used in pairs to irrigate “How to implement these goals?” As is efficient delivery of water with a small plants from more than one side. often the case, the devil is in the details. minimum amount of waste to meet, but Larger plants can have multiple emitters A properly designed system will have a not exceed the needs of the plants on surrounding the plant. It is important more complicated layout and be more site. Turf should be kept in an actively that the emitters not be too close to the expensive to install. There will be more growing condition to maintain its health base of the plant or too far away. The parts and the installation will take more and viability and keep it in a safe playing goal is to water the entire root zone. time. A properly managed system condition (if that is what it is used for). requires more inspections, which also Ideally, there would be no runoff, low It is a good idea to plan for future requires more time. This becomes the sprinkler head drainage or overspray off- expansion or modification of the challenge. Savings in water use are offset site or onto hard surfaces. The separate system. Including spare controller wires, and possibly exceeded by the increase in irrigation zones should be based on the upsizing mainline pipe, putting in labor needed to manage the system. And landscape design. Turf should be sleeves under hard surfaces are all the labor is of the skilled variety, which separate from shrub beds, because they inexpensive during initial construction adds to the cost. This is where the old will have different water needs. Areas of and can save time and money during SOP differs from the new BMP. The different sun exposure should be future renovation or expansion projects. economics would have probably dictated separated, because the water loss from Also, coordinate with the maintenance a less-efficient system be installed or less evapotranspiration will differ staff to keep their costs down. Design management time budgeted for the (evapotranspiration is water loss by for easy repair and use standard parts as system management. Labor would be evaporation from the ground combined much as possible to keep inventory saved at the expense of water. with water loss from the plant — requirements low. transpiration — and it increases as BMPs for water conservation need to temperatures increase.) A distribution Operation and maintenance of the address three areas: irrigation system uniformity (DU) of 75% for sprinkler irrigation system is where most park design, irrigation system installation and head coverage is the minimum standard departments will have the greatest

WRPA Today 15 influence on water usage. The goal glue joints should not be compromised, prepared soils allow for deeper rooting should be to replace the moisture lost by nor should pipe quality be reduced. Small and for better water penetration. evapotranspiration, nothing more. Staff cost savings on quality upfront in a Mulching of the shrub beds reduces members need to be well trained in the project are not worth the long-term costs evaporation and conserves moisture. operation and use of the irrigation in repair that will follow them. Coverage controller and weather station data to tests and even water audits should be From a landscape design standpoint, make good decisions. The irrigation conducted after installation to insure the two factors really stand out when schedule needs to be modified regularly, system is performing as it was intended examining water requirements and as the turf and other plants water to. Problems should be corrected as early irrigation systems. First is site layout. The requirements change based on the as possible, and preferably by the more turf, the greater the water changing weather and day length. Do construction team, as opposed to the requirement — unless you have an not water on a fixed schedule that maintenance staff after the fact. Design unirrigated lawn/meadow or some remains unchanged all season long. problems discovered during construction other non-lawn or sports field use. The Water-wise practices include watering should be identified and reported to the smaller and more irregular the turf during the cooler parts of the day to designer for correction, too. configuration, the more difficult it is to minimize water loss due to evaporation. efficiently deliver water without If soil infiltration rates allow, water deeply It is important to note that other overspray, runoff, etc. Try to keep and less frequently to get the water to maintenance and design practices irregularly configured areas landscaped the deeper roots. Watering once or twice influence water conservation in the with shrubs, groundcovers, herbaceous a week to deliver a given volume of landscape. Maintenance practices such perennials, etc. That way they can be water is preferable to watering every day as aeration increase water infiltration irrigated with a drip system instead of to deliver the same volume. On slopes or and encourage better rooting of turf. spray heads. Keep turf areas functional compacted sites, you will need to water This can reduce water runoff and allow and practical. in multiple short cycles to prevent runoff for longer, deeper watering. Fertilizer to achieve the same goal. On average, also influences water use. Increase the The second landscape design turf will need an inch of water per week nitrogen fertilizer and you increase characteristic that influences water use is during the growing season. This will green color and growth. More growth plant selection. The drought tolerance of increase as temperatures rise and requires more water. In nature, turf our landscape trees, shrubs, and other decrease as temperatures fall. Proper growth slows down as temperatures get plants varies tremendously. If all the plants operation of the system will give you the too warm. The grass hardens off and in an irrigation zone have the same water greatest efficiency and best use of your becomes more drought tolerant. By requirement, then it is easy to schedule an water budget. watering and fertilizing, the turf stays efficient irrigation schedule. If you mix more succulent and is less drought high-water-use plants with low-water-use Keeping the system in good repair is tolerant. It is also a brighter green that plants, you have to water enough to keep also essential. Leaks and breaks must be looks more attractive. It is important to the biggest user healthy and vigorous. The repaired as soon as they are found. Flow balance the need for attractive turf with other plants get over-watered. At least, sensors will report to the controller if the the efficient use of water. The succulent that is the case with a spray head sprinkler system has a leak by alerting the grass is also more susceptible to wear system. On a drip system, you can operator that there is an unexplained damage and some summer lawn increase or decrease water to individual increase in water use in a given zone. diseases. It is best to use slow release plants by varying the number of emitters Irrigation systems need to be monitored fertilizers in the summer to minimize the or the size of the emitter. This means you and tested regularly to detect problems. succulent growth effect and keep can mix and match plants at will without Flow sensors, rain sensors, etc. do no growth spurts and water use down. wasting water. Plants that need a lot of good if they are not kept operational. Potassium in the fertilizer actually water still need a lot of water, but you Field staff and mowing crews need to be increases wear tolerance and drought aren’t over-watering the plants with a aware of broken sprinkler heads and tolerance by increasing cell-wall lower water requirement. unexplained wet spots in the parks. thickness in the grass. Potassium should They need to be reported and be balanced with nitrogen in late spring As you can see from this examination of investigated in a timely manner to avoid and summer applications of fertilizer for BMPs for irrigation and water use, there water waste. this reason. Fertilizer programs should is lot to consider when designing a be developed based on the use of the landscape, an irrigation system, a The proper installation of the irrigation turf, the availability of water and the soil maintenance program or whatever. system is crucial to maintaining the conditions as shown by a soil test. There are undoubtedly aspects of the integrity of the original design and for the subject that this article failed to touch long-term operation of the system. As- Topdressing, weed control, thatch on. The point was not to be all-inclusive, built drawings should be provided after control, verticutting and leaving grass but rather to introduce you to the installation to show any variations from clippings from mowing operations can concept. There may be a need for BMPs the original plans that were made. These all have a positive impact on turf health in your organization or in your program. variations should not reduce the overall and water use. Proper soil preparation Consider how they would benefit you efficiency of the system and should be prior to planting to insure a decent root and what you could achieve by approved by the designer and the zone is also very important for turf adopting your own BMPs. operations/maintenance staff. Quality of health and water needs. Properly

16 WRPA Today WRPA Today 17 Parks Web-Based Mobile A pilot project integrating GIS mapping with a park maintenance management system leads to deployment of other mobile technologies by Peter M. Mayer, Director City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department

The Vision Over the course of the past six years, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation has been working to deploy a web based maintenance management program that is integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) functionality. While many agencies may employ the use of various manual or computerized maintenance management systems, few if any systems available today provide an integrated mapping component. The benefits of a bi-directional maintenance work order system (where one can select points on a map and obtain and report maintenance data or where one can ascertained. Maintenance histories, along with deferral use standard web tools within the maintenance management information, can help staff develop more accurate budget program itself) are: requests by providing an objective tool for demonstrating • Flexibility to staff who may be more comfortable additional needs and estimating the impacts of budget interacting with a graphical map tool than learning a new increases and decreases. web-based program with multiple drop-down boxes; • The ability to maintain all asset attributes in a GIS Web Work is currently utilized by Public Works for processing database rather than re-create them in a separate silo or customer trouble requests, performing preventative standalone database; maintenance tasks and tracking routine maintenance • Greater asset tracking & data analysis; activities. With the upgrade to Web Work in 2001, it was • Greater functionality with GIS layer capabilities to analyze intended that Parks would implement the system; however, & assess maintenance data. with the rapid development of GIS technologies and the city’s desire to maintain all of its assorted assets (storm drainage, The ultimate vision is to provide a Web-based application in sewer, water, meters, street trees, traffic signs, etc) in one which individuals (customers, residents, staff) can enter their common “place” within GIS, it prompted Parks to pursue an own work order request, which would generate a traceable integrated solution that also placed these powerful tools in work order, either for review by a parks supervisor or, based the hands of parks maintenance staff while in the field. GIS is on self-selecting features, automatically be forwarded for a computerized system that links descriptive information to action by parks maintenance staff. The parks staff would then spatial information and combines computer software, investigate the work order using mapping tools, assess the hardware, data and personnel. It combines layers of situation and respond to the work order via a hand-held information for a spatial area and allows interaction with the mobile device. The same process would follow with pre- data, including analysis, queries, manipulation, modeling and entered routine and preventative maintenance tasks. visual depictions.

Expanding upon Traditional Maintenance The Pilot Project Management Systems With no additional resources dedicated to developing this For many years, the city’s Public Works Department has ability, staff set out to phase in the use of the maintenance evolved with its use of a computerized maintenance management system while collecting needed global management system, beginning in the early years (1995) of positioning system (GPS) data on park assets (i.e. benches, using Chief, which later morphed into Maximo, then Maximo tables, barbecues, fields, fences, drinking fountains, etc). A Advantage and then the Web-based Web Work by Tero 32-acre multi-use neighborhood park, Island Crest Park, was Consulting, Coquitlam, British Columbia. Maintenance selected for this pilot project because of its vast amenities, management systems create a more efficient management including two athletic fields, open space, trails system with tool to proactively manage assets, workflow and budget. suspension bridge, children’s play area, batting cages, tennis Routine, preventative, special response and capital courts, restroom facilities and other park amenities. maintenance activities can be more effectively tracked and Willingness and technological savvy of the parks maintenance impacts associated with maintenance deferrals can be was also a key factor in selecting the park location. Leslie

18 WRPA Today Technology

Batten, now a project manager with the Cascade Land obtained the services of a third-party GIS consultant, Karl Conservancy, was recruited as a parks GIS intern to begin Johansen, from Port Madison GIS, Inc., to review the issues, GPSing (Global Positioning System) in the various park technical solutions, costs and resource requirements features. GPS is a satellite navigation system, initially surrounding the integration of Web Work with the city’s GIS developed by the military, that can tell you exactly where you prior to committing to Tero’s GIS-Web Work solution. The are on Earth, any time of day or night, in any type of weather. City wanted to be sure whatever solution was co-developed Twenty-six satellites on six different orbital planes circle the was affordable, practical, technically sound and sustainable. Earth to provide real-time navigational data. The study found:

While internally advocating the need to invest some dollars in “… that there is a clear business case to be made for moving this innovative project, staff advanced two I.T. CIP budget beyond the current status quo with both Web Work and GIS. requests that were subsequently approved by the City It is recommended that the city proceed conservatively to Council for the 2005-06 biennium: 1) the development of a explore the feasibility of enhanced usage of both systems….” technical bridge between GIS and Web Work ($15,000) and 2) data inventorying and purchasing of needed Several recommendations were made, including 1) better hardware/software/accessories to implement the project in cross-referencing of data between the two systems to Parks ($20,000). These funds then enabled a number of other eliminate synchronization conflicts (Web Work data fields tasks to occur. were labeled differently than GIS data fields); 2) testing of the Web Work Field Module should be expanded in a field test by “It has been six years in the making and a grass- parks staff using wireless technologies; and 3) off-site hosting roots effort to bring the latest in technological of the Web Work application (hosted by Tero Consulting in abilities to the parks maintenance staff.” Coquitlam, British Columbia) should be re-examined based upon increased use and using the same server database for — AARON HEYER, assets common to both systems. Parks Foreman, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Realizing the Vision and Parks developed a working spreadsheet of the kind of data desired for and to be collected about each feature (i.e. Added Functionality size/dimensions, surface/material types, serial numbers, The consultant recommended the city implement the project manufacturer, etc.). What began as a large data list was initially without the two systems being fully integrated; i.e., subsequently refined into a more workable and pared-down both applications could be up and running on a mobile set of fields for which to collect information. While Leslie device, but data would not flow between the two — they collected “X” and “Y” coordinates for park features, ongoing could be used independently of each other. For purposes of discussions with Tero Consulting occurred to determine getting the project implemented, the staff agreed with this exactly how to build a technical bridge between Web Work recommendation. Meanwhile, the City’s new I.T. network and the city’s GIS. At this point, these were two stand-alone administrator, Mike Kaser, helped re-start the data integration systems that did not communicate or cross-reference data. efforts by initiating contact with the software developers and GIS Coordinator Mike Onzay and I.T. Manager Ara Moreno senior management at Tero Consulting and identified the few continued to analyze the technical architecture of Web Work technical details still needed to create the bridge. This limited while Terry Winkel, the Web Work System Administrator with amount of work is underway by Tero Consulting staff and, the city’s Public Works Department helped parks staff better when completed, will allow staff to “drill down” on a map to understand how Web Work operates and processes access information on a particular park asset, report a information. Parks staff began developing procedures, tasks, problem, record maintenance activities, query an asset for an frequencies and levels of service for park assets and began as-built drawing or print a report and much more. entering data into the Web Work system. Specific maintenance activities (i.e. aerating, mowing, park checks, Kaser ordered the necessary hardware and software that etc.) were developed along with time standards. Meanwhile, provided for two mobile GoBook III laptops by Itronix with several GIS students from the University of Washington integrated EVDO (high-speed) wireless wide-area network expressed interest in the initiative for a class project and as a (WWAN) cards that connect back to the city’s network via an result helped staff refine data fields and methodology. RSA-encrypted VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunnel to the city’s GIS and Web Work system via web-based interfaces. Vehicle Through the middle stages of the pilot project, Tero mounting kits with power connections were installed in two Consulting indicated their intention to enhance their park vehicles so staff could either work from their vehicle or take software product with GIS functions. As a result, the city the laptop out into the field. Two HP 460wbt Bluetooth wireless

WRPA Today 19 printers provide staff the ability to print needed information in Heyer reflects, “It has been six years in the making and a the field. The GoBook IIIs offer other robust features, including grassroots effort to bring the latest in technological abilities Bluetooth, GPS, touch screen functionality, water resistance, to the parks maintenance staff.” He continues, “The tools military-standard ruggedization compliance and much more. save a lot time in trying to track down needed data, Start-up costs for one complete mobile system were blueprints, vendors, specifications, etc.” He acknowledges approximately $5,500 (including printer) and a monthly cost of that there are “still some bugs to work out with the Web $60.00 for the WWAN card. Work/GIS integration, but it will be a great tool to find something we need without having to rely solely on the As hardware was ordered and began arriving, the use and memory of a 20+-year park maintenance staff member.” He application of already-existing Web-friendly resources were has found this technology “a great asset at your fingertips.” identified that could be accessible from the mobile laptops using their wireless air cards. Key documents and images were A second phase of implementation has been budgeted for scanned (irrigation as-builts, restroom plans, asset the 2007-08 CIP budget that would allow the inventorying specifications, valve details, etc.) and converted into PDFs (GPSing) of park assets in several other large parks and (Portable Document Format) to allow easy remote access and provide mobile technology tools to the other parks referencing. Also during this time, Curt Brees, parks operations maintenance staff. Continued data entry and use of Web manager, and Keith Kerner, parks manager, implemented new Work will enable improved tracking of maintenance issues ball field lighting system controls at two facilities, including and identify reoccurring problems that would have otherwise Island Crest Park. The “Control Link” system, manufactured by been overlooked. Musco Lighting, replaced existing time clocks and manual switches with controllers that are operated remotely. City staff and sport field users with assigned passwords can operate the Lessons Learned lights via a Web site or a toll-free phone call to the Control Link As a result of this pilot project, a number of lessons Call Center. When a command to turn lights on or off is were realized, including: received by the Web site or call center, the command is • Start small — pilot test using one park/area relayed to the site lighting controller by a cell phone signal, • Pre-plan and the lights turn on or off immediately. This Web-based - Identify goals & objectives functionality was added to the laptops for immediate use by - How much detail is desired? parks staff in the field or from home, thereby eliminating - Find out what data already exists and in what form costly call-outs to turn on or off lights. - Organize data to determine gaps/inconsistencies - Insure compatibility w/existing software systems & Additional applications were loaded onto the laptops, willingness of vendors to support GIS/GPS functions including Maxicom, the city’s computerized irrigation - Develop solid data collection strategy system. This allowed parks staff to activate and deactivate - Anticipate needs beyond today irrigation zones and systems anywhere in the park system • Garbage In/Garbage Out (GIGO) from anywhere in the field or from home. The city’s activity - Strive for accuracy the first time registration and facility scheduling software, Active Network’s - The park inventory provides the foundation for CLASS system, was also made Web-ready, providing ball field everything else maintenance staff real-time data about practice or game day - It’s a continuous process changes and other facility-related rentals and needs. • Mobile technologies don’t replace traditional communication methods Key parks staff were then oriented and trained on the laptops • Seek I.T. & GIS support and know what the limitations using the various software systems and were encouraged to are before deploying actively use them in the field. In-the-field support was also • Be creative in finding resources to be innovative provided by Kaser, the I.T. network administrator, and he - Seek I.T./GIS support joined staff as they performed maintenance functions. Kaser - Utilize student interns also provided technical support as they utilized the mobile - Pursue grants devices to assist their work. The mobile devices are regularly - Collect data in off-peak season used by Ball Field Maintenance Staff Member Ken Brooks and • Be flexible w/technological & methodological South End Parks Foreman Aaron Heyer. changes/advancements

20 WRPA Today Faber. “We’ve got to do it again, but we’ve got to figure out parking.” Agreed — it was outrageous, crowded and eye- opening, and in a way, the evening just might catalyze the way Family Fun we think about segmented programming. What did we accomplish? We believe that Auburn and other communities are eager for Family Approved Programs. We are convinced that kids — tweens and teens — and adults can survive and thrive in creatively designed programs that fit the needs of wider ranges of participants. Auburn Parks’ guitar, Nightby Jim Westhusing hula, and dodgeball classes are all now family approved. We now offer teen and family kayaking, teen and family guitar, hula, and Mt. St. Helens spelunking, with new creative On Friday, May 5, 2006, Auburn Parks, Arts possibilities just around the corner. & Recreation inaugurated what just might We’re not alone in this new direction. Barry Fretwell says Kent Parks & Recreation is offering more for families, too, including: become a yearly event — Family Fun Night. Family Night — Food, Fun and Flyers. “We serve dinner, provide But the story really doesn’t start there. an inflatable toy, two to three other recreational activities (arts and crafts, gladiator, hoop shoot and/or photo framing) while In contemplating new program directions in December 2005, we show pictures and PowerPoint demonstrations of our parks staff drew upon a shared perception. Parents were programming. At these events, Kent school district having a great time playing dodgeball, strumming chords in administration and city staff meet and greet the public. guitar class and hula dancing alongside their elementary and middle school kids. Aha! A light bulb came on. What if we “Once a quarter we offer a teen and family activity, like horseback create classes where families — tweens, teens and parents — riding, whitewater rafting or a Mariners game. This winter, we can have fun — and learn together. What if we created a new will offer family ski/snowboard day,” Fretwell contintues. category of programming titled “Family-Approved”? What if we dedicated an entire evening to the concept, add a few fun “We think this direction offers a lot of possibilities”, says Faber. elements like inflatables, arts & crafts, and, of course plenty of “I can see where Auburn and other communities begin to food, and see what happens? stress this kind of programming. It might just be the direction many parks & recreation programs will go, with diminishing “When my staff brought me the idea of Family-Approved enrollment in traditional sports programs. Families that play programming, I said, ‘Where do I sign my family up?’” said together stay together.” Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber in December of 2005. The rest, as the old cliché goes, is history.

Months later, and after a few twists and turns, Family Fun Night came into being. On Friday, May 5 at Auburn’s Les Gove Park, Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation provided an evening of family fun to folks in numbers that surprised even the most optimistic among us. Approximately 1,500 people came out to enjoy authentic Mexican food cooked by our Latino community and El Centro de Amistad and served by the Auburn Youth Council. Families played bocce, rode on adaptive bicycles, hooted, jumped and hollered on and in a selection of inflated big toys. Kids and parents had their faces painted, created maracas, fashioned tissue flowers, painted on a group art project, learned guitar chords, hula danced, ballroom danced, played billiards, and pretty much had a great family-focused evening.

Whew! There’s more. Families toured the White River Valley Museum, played disc golf, start smart soccer, T-ball, and sang karaoke with Auburn’s Idols. We’ve left so much out, but, you get the picture. It was a blast!

The food line alone was 100 deep for three straight hours. We ran for additional supplies countless times. Of course, if you recall, the weather that evening was fabulous, it was Cinco de Mayo and it was a Friday. Still, 1,500 people. We were literally overwhelmed, but in a good way. “That was a great event,” says

WRPA Today 21 Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program 2006 Grant Recipients

This year, Starbucks has awarded 30 grants of $15,000 each to neighbor- hood organizations throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, who are undertaking the park improvement projects listed below.

On Saturday July 15th, this year’s beneficiary organizations were honored with an official awards ceremony and community celebration, including children’s activities, live entertainment and a picnic lunch at Roanoke Park in Seattle.

22 WRPA Today Park Projects in King County: CLARK LAKE PARK TRAIL CONSTRUCTION Applicant Organization: Kent Parks Foundation ANGEL MORGAN P-PATCH & SITTING PARK Sponsoring Starbucks: Kent Haggens #3317 Applicant Organization: Friends of Angel Morgan Neighborhood Park Address: Clark Lake Park: SE 240th St. P-Patch & Sitting Park between 116th St. SE & 124th St SE, Kent Sponsoring Starbucks: Rainier & Edmunds #3277 • This project is to help in the construction of 1.5 miles of and Rainier Plaza #382 this 133-acre park, centrally located in the city of Kent. The Neighborhood Park Address: 42nd Ave S. at S. Angel Place funds will help pay for materials to construct the trail that and S. Morgan St., Seattle will be built by volunteers, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, and • This project will create a community garden and sitting park. city staff. The funds will go toward creation of a sitting park (landscaping, benches, and game table); picnic arbor; gate I-5 COLONNADE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK arbors; multilingual signage; and bulletin board. Applicant Organization: Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club Sponsoring Starbucks: Eastlake #3448 BAILEY GATZERT PLAYGROUND PROJECT Neighborhood Park Address: 1600 Lakeview Blvd E., Seattle Applicant Organization: Friends of Gatzert Playground • This park will give people of all ages and abilities a place to Sponsoring Starbucks: 12th and Columbia #3324 ride in the city. Funds will be used for materials, equipment Neighborhood Park Address: 1301 E. Yesler Way, Seattle and to pay a crew leader to work with the volunteer labor. • The grant will help to fund an inviting green space and community playground for the 12th Avenue MAPLE LEAF COMMUNITY GARDEN neighborhood, specifically for new play structures with Applicant Organization: Maple Leaf Community Council ADA accessibility, drainage, and woodchips. Sponsoring Starbucks: Northgate #358 Neighborhood Park Address: 529 NE 103rd St., Seattle BIG HOWE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT • The project will turn a neglected, vacant lot into a welcoming Applicant Organization: B-HIP (Big Howe Improvement Project) passive park and green garden oasis where all will enjoy Sponsoring Starbucks: Queen Anne #314 meeting and gathering together. Neighborhood Park Address: 3rd Ave. W and W. Howe St., Seattle MCAULIFFE ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND REHABILITATION • The project is the construction of a safe, fun and Applicant Organization: Christa McAuliffe Elementary accessible park, encouraging interaction between School PTSA neighbors and visitors. This award wil be used to purchase Sponsoring Starbucks: Sammamish II #3274 the 5-12 year old play structure. Neighborhood Park Address: 23823 NE 22nd St., Sammamish • The project will rehabilitate an aged elementary school CAROL EDWARDS LOOP playground and provide opportunities for safe active and Applicant Organization: Friends of Carol Edwards passive play. Funds will be utilized to purchase and install Sponsoring Starbucks: Woodinville #316 new age-appropriate, handicap-accessible structures to Neighborhood Park Address: 17400 131 Ave. NE, Woodinville replace the existing hazardous play structure. • The Carol Edwards Loop provides an enhanced pedestrian parkway around existing sports fields. It features public MERIDIAN CORRIDOR COMMUNITY PARK art, park benches and fitness components and will enhance Applicant Organization: Shoreline Childrens Center PTA and reflect the unique character of the community. Sponsoring Starbucks: Richmond Beach #385 Neighborhood Park Address: 1900 N 170th, Shoreline CENTRAL PARK AT RAINIER VISTA • The project will build two safe and secure play structures Applicant Organization: Neighborhood House within the park. One will be primarily for preschool Sponsoring Starbucks: MLK Way #3302 aged children and the other for older children served Neighborhood Park Address: Jill Place S. & 29th Ave. S, Seattle through programs at the center. • This project will involve a colorful and fun play structure and gathering space for social and recreational use. MOUNT BAKER RIDGE VIEWPOINT PARK Applicant Organization: Mount Baker Ridge CHILDREN’S GARDEN PROJECT Viewpoint Steering Committee Applicant Organization: Magnuson Community Garden Sponsoring Starbucks: Leschi #3238 Sponsoring Starbucks: 4147 University Way #7941 Neighborhood Park Address: 1403-1413 31st Ave. S, Seattle Neighborhood Park Address: Warren G. , • This new park will be a unique neighborhood gathering 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle space with staggering views to the west, enjoyed by the • As part of the Magnuson Community Garden, the grant local community and the city as a whole. This funding will support the addition of sculptural elements and plants, would pay for furnishings including an entry structure, an entry sign, and benches within the Children’s Garden, kiosk and benches. to improve the function and service of this area for visitors.

WRPA Today 23 NEW PARK PLAYGROUND PROJECT SHADOW LAKE BOG RESTORATION AND Applicant Organization: Kiwanis Club of Renton EDUCATION PROJECT Sponsoring Starbucks: Renton Village #374 Applicant Organization: Save Habitat and Diversity of and Kent Haggens #3317 Wetlands Organization Neighborhood Park Address: 233 Union Ave. NE, Renton Sponsoring Starbucks: Fairwood #8797 • The project will build a playground suitable for children of Neighborhood Park Address: 21656 184th. Ave. SE, Renton all ages that offers safe access to active and passive • The funds will be used to enhance the education and recreation in a densely populated area not presently served onsite facilities. Signage, water quality testing areas and by a park. points of interest related to the education program will be designed and installed. OCCIDENTAL PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Applicant Organization: Pioneer Square THE GREAT SEA TURTLE PROJECT Community Association Applicant Organization: Enumclaw Garden Club Sponsoring Starbucks: Pioneer Square #363 Sponsoring Starbucks: Enumclaw #364 Neighborhood Park Address: Occidental Park/ Neighborhood Park Address: Dwight Garrett Park at corner of Occidental Ave., Seattle Porter St. & Kibler Ave., Enumclaw • The funds will go towards the purchase and installation • A sitting and play plaza will be constructed adjacent to of new bocce ball courts and chess tables to help create current playground equipment. It includes an art sculpture, passive entertainment opportunities within the park. benches and new landscaping.

ROOM NINE PLAYGROUND AND OUTDOOR THOMPSON NEIGHBORHOOD PARK EDUCATION SPACE Applicant Organization: Federal Way Kiwanis Noon Club Applicant Organization: Room Nine Community School Sponsoring Starbucks: Tacoma Place #312 Sponsoring Starbucks: Ballinger Village # 3316 Neighborhood Park Address: 2228 S. 333rd St. Federal Way Neighborhood Park Address: 2800 NE 200th St., Shoreline • Thompson Park will be a new neighborhood park that • Room Nine Community School will build a multi-use serves all age groups. Funds will be used to help playground and outdoor education space that will enhance construct the park, including a paved path, children’s our local community and neighborhood. play area, a small basketball court, benches, picnic tables and landscaping. NORMAN ROCKWELL ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND RENOVATION WEDGWOOD PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENT Applicant Organization: Norman Rockwell Elementary School Applicant Organization: Wedgwood Elementary School PTA Sponsoring Starbucks: Redmond North #378 Sponsoring Starbucks: 35th and 73rd Wedgwood and Neighborhood Park Address: 11125 162nd Ave. NE, Redmond Northgate # 358 • After 25 years of service to the community, the Neighborhood Park Address: 2720 NE 85th St., Seattle kindergarten playground area will be refurbished, thus • The project is the renovation of the playground, in providing a safe and stimulating place for our youngsters addition to the creation of an outdoor classroom, gardens to play. and a nature trail to be used by both schoolchildren and neighborhood families. PLAY AREA RENOVATION Applicant Organization: Friends of Ravenna Playground WOODLANDS PLAYGROUND PROJECT Sponsoring Starbucks: University Village #302 Applicant Organization: Friends of Woodlands Neighborhood Park Address: 5520 Ravenna Ave. NE, Seattle Sponsoring Starbucks: Rose Hill #3414 • The project will transform the site into an accessible, Neighborhood Park Address: Woodlands Park: 9930 124th Ave inclusive play area for children of all abilities and a NE, Kirkland welcoming gathering place for residents of all ages. Funds • The grant will purchase supplies to help create this child- will purchase new play equipment and site furnishings. designed, community built playground.

SEATTLE’S STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAZA Park Projects in Snohomish County: Applicant Organization: Northwest Program for the Arts EDMONDS SKATE PARK PROJECT Sponsoring Starbucks: Alki #3306, Admiral #339, Applicant Organization: Edmonds Police Foundation California & Fauntleroy #3202 Sponsoring Starbucks: Edmonds II #3232 Neighborhood Park Address: 61st Ave SW & Alki Beach Neighborhood Park Address: Civic Center Playfield at 6th & Bell Way, Seattle • The project will construct a 5,400 square-foot concrete skate • The project is to recast Seattle’s Statue of Liberty at at the civic center playfield in downtown Edmonds. Park and create a welcoming public plaza for community enjoyment and interaction.

24 WRPA Today EVERGREEN ARBORETUM NATIVE PLANT WALK & PATHS MAPLEWOOD PLAYGROUND RENOVATION Applicant Organization: Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens Applicant Organization: Maplewood School PTA Sponsoring Starbucks: Downtown Everett # 3319 Sponsoring Starbucks: 37th and Meridian #3288 Neighborhood Park Address: Legion Memorial Park, Neighborhood Park Address: 1110 West Pioneer, Puyallup 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett • The project is to renovate an aging playground, with • Being dedicated to education and accessibility, the creation equipment dating back to the 1960s, with a new, inviting, of the “Native Plant Walk,” with ADA-approved paths, will safe and accessible play space. link the renovated viewing mound and the new educational pavilion. Additional resurfaced paths allow WILDWOOD PARK PTA “OPERATION PLAYGROUND” access to the themed gardens. Applicant Organization: Wildwood Park Elementary School PTA Park Projects in Pierce County: Sponsoring Starbucks: Puyallup # 353 Neighborhood Park Address: 1601 26th Ave. SE, Puyallup CENTURY PARK • To address a lack of safe and age-appropriate play equipment Applicant Organization: Save Our Station for nearly 600 K-6th grade students, funds raised will replace Sponsoring Starbucks: University of Washington-Tacoma #3226 an old and partially condemned play structure. Neighborhood Park Address: 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma • Century Park is the planned and needed urban plaza park Starbucks Coffee Company is proud to make a commitment to be located in the downtown Tacoma neighborhood. of $1 million to the improvement of parks throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties in 2006. The Neighborhood CRESCENT CREEK Parks Program is a testament to Starbucks’ passion for its Applicant Organization: Friends of Pierce County hometown and commitment to the communities in which it Sponsoring Starbucks: Gig Harbor North # 3352 does business. Neighborhood Park Address: 3303 Vernhardsen, Gig Harbor • This project will provide two viewing platforms with wheel- Since its inception in 2000, the Starbucks Neighborhood Parks chair access and connecting trails at a popular city park, as Program has provided $2.4 million in funding to help protect well as stabilize the bank and reduce erosion with plants. and revitalize over 100 parks in Puget Sound. The Company’s support of local parks originates from the belief that parks play ROSEDALE PLAYFIELD RENOVATION a role similar to that of its coffee shops, providing a “third- Applicant Organization: Peninsula Athletic Association place” experience where people gather and build a strong Sponsoring Starbucks: Gig Harbor Drive-Thru #3388 sense of community. Neighborhood Park Address: 8050 86th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor • The project involves renovating Rosedale Park, including Media Contact: new turf, fencing, parking, irrigation, landscaping, picnic Haley Drage area, play toys, walking trail and more. The grant will fund Waggener Edstrom Worldwide a backstop, player benches, park benches, a slide, bicycle (425) 638-7438 racks and a drinking fountain. [email protected] Save the Date! WRPA Annual Conference 2007 April 17-20, 2007 Reserve Your Room! Semiahmoo Resort 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway • Blaine, WA 98230 Hotel Reservations: 360-318-2000 • 800-770-7992 • [email protected]

More info to follow at wrpatoday.org.

WRPA Today 25 The Newly Created and Not- Yet-Imitated CEC by Randy Burtz

They said it couldn’t be done. We sat down, thought long and hard, and we did it. We came up with another WRPA committee! Oh, but not just any committee. We created the CEC. The name doesn’t quite have the pop of IHOP (International House of Pancakes), but it does have a certain ring to it. The CEC also has substance. Substance, like the stuffed french toast at the aforementioned pancake house … uh, so I hear.

Just what is the CEC, you ask? Well, read on, my friends. Read on. The CEC is the Conference Education Committee, which is Committee to ensure continuity between the National similar in structure and purpose to the NRPA Program Congress and Washington State conferences. The CEC will Committee. The mission of the CEC is to coordinate and consist of a maximum of 12 members and, to the extent manage the educational component of the WRPA Mid-Year possible, the committee shall include representatives from and Annual Conferences. This primarily includes the academia, private industry and government. educational sessions, the pre-institutes and post-institutes and the keynote speakers. Is the local host committee excluded from the program decision-making? Why did we think the creation of the CEC was so important? No. The local host committees will provide one Two major reasons for the need of the CEC were identified. representative, typically the chair, to serve on the CEC. This First, while local host committees with support from WRPA representative shall work closely with CEC members in staff have produced many quality conferences, the developing the conference educational track including responsibility of hosting a conference is becoming more recruitment of qualified local speakers, identifying suitable difficult and time-consuming. The CEC will remove a major pre-institutes and post-institutes and opportunities for local portion of this burden from the local host committee. The educational tours. second area for improvement lies in the conference-planning model. Typically, the local host committee limits their If this sounds as good as stuffed french toast to you, here is planning efforts to one specific conference. This planning what you need to know. approach inhibits continuity and coordination from one conference to the next. The CEC is currently accepting session proposals for the 2007 Annual Conference in Semiahmoo. Session proposal forms What else do you need to know about the CEC? and additional information is available on the WRPA Web site. If you’d like to learn more about the CEC, please contact CEC CEC members will serve a three-year term, providing Chair Clarissa Ruston at 253-804-5045 or coordination from year to year and between conferences. In [email protected]. addition, the CEC will work directly with the NRPA Program

26 WRPA Today Dozer Day ...“Where the Kids Drive” … Benefiting the Parks Foundation by Phyllis Goldhammer, Executive Director, Parks Foundation

An estimated 10,000 kids and adults came Machinery, Bob Cat of Portland and Triad Schwab Tire Center; Waste Connections; out May 20, 2006 to see and ride the big Machinery, found a common cause in putting Pacific Lifestyle Homes; Nautilus Inc.; yellow machines at the second annual Dozer faces of people to the heavy equipment at job Starbucks; Target; city of Vancouver Fire and Day in Clark County, Washington, presented sites that our community generally sees Public works departments and Clark County by the Parks Foundation. Gross revenue was through dirt and detours. Having 10,000 public works department; Media sponsors $65,000, thanks to the construction industry people experience this same equipment up included: KUPL-FM Radio; The Columbian; and many other community partners. close and personal, whether six or 60, showed Daily Journal of Commerce; Camas- the public the commitment of these Washougal Post Record; Vancouver Business The success of Dozer Day is attributed to companies to community. Journal; and the Building Industry “doing the right thing for the right Association. Battle Ground, Camas- reasons.” Because there is so much to Preparation of time and money for getting Washougal and Greater Vancouver appreciate in the Northwest, it is logical that 30 earth-movers, articulated haulers, rollers Chambers of Commerce were also partners. the Parks Foundation worked with and trucks including washing the companies responsible for building our humungous machines and transporting Part of the uniqueness of this event was that communities in the Northwest to create this them on low boys — from a work site in competitors in the business world came fundraiser. Dozer Day showcased these Clark County or Portland metro area to the together to support Parks and Recreation companies and acknowledges their Dozer Day site — is a feat in and of itself. because all of our families benefit from contributions to our community including Thousands of dollars in heavy equipment, having parks and recreational programs for a the fact that they help build the trails, open plus the transport costs and licensed healthy community. spaces and recreational facilities we all enjoy. operators for the day, make the event a huge investment from the construction industry. Watch for updates on the Parks Foundation Sponsors such as Nutter Corporation, George Web site, www.parkfoundation.us, for Schmid and Sons, Tapani Underground, Other community partners of staff time and Dozer Day, May 19, 2007. Creagan Excavating, Rinker Materials, Pape investment included: iQ Credit Union; Les Shoreline Bond Passes! by Susan Will, City of Shoreline

At the May 16 election, 70% of Shoreline voters approved the city’s $18.5 million bond levy request to purchase open space properties, make park improvements and develop trails.

As of May 17, King County elections reported 100% of the The third-property acquisition financed by the bond is for the 8,784 votes counted, well over the number needed to validate Kruckeberg Botanic Garden on 15th Avenue NW. This the election. The 6,160 votes approving the bond — 70.17% property is home to the plant collection of Dr. Art Kruckeberg, — were also well more than the 60% super-majority needed University of Washington Botany Professor Emeritus, and his to pass the levy. late wife, Mareen. The Kruckebergs devoted their lives to collecting and growing rare and native plants on their four- “We are grateful that Shoreline voters recognized the acre property. A group of volunteers formed the Kruckeberg importance of this bond measure and turned out to vote yes,” Botanic Garden Foundation to preserve the property for said Shoreline Mayor Bob Ransom. “This will greatly increase community educational, cultural and aesthetic enrichment. our park and recreation services. Now we’ll have 29 parks and Besides purchasing the property, the city will be making some 375 acres of park land for Shoreline residents to enjoy.” minor improvements.

Open space acquisition accounts for over half of the bond, Examples of park improvement and other projects the bond including $6 million to purchase 12.6 acres of South Woods will fund include development of an off-leash dog park, new Property, $3.3 million to purchase 8.3 acres adjacent to field turf at Twin Ponds, improvements at Cromwell, Hamlin Hamlin Park and $950,000 to purchase and make and Richmond Beach Saltwater Parks, lights for the tennis improvements at the four-acre Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. courts at Shoreline Center and developing and improving trails in the city. South Woods is located on the corner of NE 150th Street and NE 25th Avenue. The city purchased three acres of the 15.6- Since voters approved the levy, the next step is for the city to acre property in December. The bond will allow the city to begin the process of selling the bonds. The city will also begin purchase the remaining property from the School and Water negotiations for the property acquisitions. The park Districts to preserve it as an urban forest. improvement and trail projects will be determined with help from the community through public participation processes. The other piece of property that will also be preserved as urban forest is 8.3 acres currently owned by Seattle Public The estimated levy rate for the bond will be 28.5 cents per Utilities. Located roughly on the corner of NE 165th Street $1,000 of assessed property value. The tax impact on a and 16th Avenue NE, this property is adjacent to the northern Shoreline home valued at $289,000 would be $82.36 per year boundary of Hamlin Park. or $6.86 per month.

28 WRPA Today SB6775 Summary provided by Terry Smith, City of Bellevue

In March 2006, the state of Washington created a new law in passing Senate Bill 6775 and sections of HB 2409. The intent of the legislation is to give public and private entities that provide services to children the tools necessary to prevent convicted child sex offenders from contacting children when those children are within the legal premises of the covered public and private entities.

Under the law, which is currently in covered offender fails to leave the court finds that he or she is not a effect, a covered offender may not enter premises promptly or attempts to covered offender, the court will order the legal premises (without prior written reenter without the required permission, the covered entity to rescind the written permission from the covered entity) of he or she is subject to arrest and may be notice and shall order the covered entity any public or private facility whose charged and prosecuted for a Class C to pay the person’s costs and reasonable primary purpose, at any time, is to felony pursuant to the statute. This attorneys’ fees. provide for the education, care, or restriction lasts as long as their recreation of a child or children. This classification under RCW 72.09.345 The Legislation is best broken down into 4 includes, but is not limited to, remains at a risk level II or risk level III. chronologically based phases. These are: community and recreational centers, • Phase 1: Identification of “covered playgrounds, schools, swimming pools, The Legislation (HB2409) also states that offenders.” and state, city, and county parks. an owner, employee, or agent of a • Phase 2: Notification to covered covered entity shall be immune from civil offenders by lawful agents of the A covered offender is a “level II or III sex liability for damages arising from “covered entities” of the fact offender,” who is an adult who has (1) excluding or failing to exclude a covered of exclusion. been convicted of certain sexual offender from a covered entity or from • Phase 3: Enforcement of the notice. offenses against someone less than 16 imposing or failing to impose conditions • Phase 4: Prosecution for violating years old, (2) is not currently under the of entry and use on a covered offender. the statute. jurisdiction of the juvenile rehabilitation authority or serving a special sex Lastly, added onto SB6775 (HB 2409) For some practical advice offender disposition alternative, and (3) under Section 5.4 is information to assist with implementation whose risk-level classification has been regarding how an offender may of SB 6775, please visit assessed at a risk level II or a risk level III overturn a written notice of trespass by the WPRA Web site at pursuant to RCW 72.09.345. filing a petition with the District Court http://www.wrpatoday.org/legislative/st alleging that he or she is not a covered ate.htm or contact Terry Smith, If a covered offender enters any of the offender. At a hearing, the offender will recreation and special services manager, facilities described above, he or she must have the burden of proving by a city of Bellevue, 425-452-5379. be notified in writing that he or she must preponderance of the evidence that he immediately leave the premises. If the or she is not a covered offender. If the

WRPA Today 29 Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS

4405 7th Ave. SE, Ste. 203 Park Master Plans • Park Facility Design Lacey, WA 98503 • Skate Park Design • Greenway & email: [email protected] Recreation Trail Planning & Design • Telephone: 360.456.3813 Site Planning • Lake, Streambank, Fax: 360.493.2063 Shoreline, & Wetland Restoration • Environmental Permitting

To advertise in future issues of WRPA Today, please contact Bryan Zehnder at 502.423.7272 or [email protected].

www.ipipublishing.com

30 WRPA Today How to Join ... Established in 1947, the Washington Recreation & Park Associate — For individuals who live out of state or who are not Association is a not-for-profit professional and public interest currently employed in the field but who wish to keep informed organization that is dedicated to enhancing and promoting parks, through section affiliation and receipt of publications. Dues $50 recreation and arts pursuits in Washington state. Student — Individuals attending school and wishing to learn Our mission: To provide resources for the public and our members more about the profession through section affiliation and receipt who create community through people, parks and programs. of publications. Dues $25

WRPA is committed to advancing the parks and recreation field by Emeritus — For individuals who have retired and wish to remain providing opportunity for the professional growth of individuals involved and informed about the association. Dues $44 employed in or volunteering in the parks and recreation services field. Agency WHY WPRA? Active Agency — Any agency that has as its primary activity the Information • Networking • Advocacy • And much more! planning and delivery of recreation services or the management of park and natural resources. * Dues based on annual operating budget. HOW TO JOIN … Affiliate Agency — Any agency that provides recreation services Membership Year as a secondary function; these include institutions, social service A membership year is based on a one-year period, commencing organizations, hospitals, nursing home, military installation and from either July 1 or January 1. academic institutions. Dues $156 or $250, including your board.

Dues Structure: The membership dues for individuals are Commercial structured according to current salary and for agencies are based As a commercial member, your company supports the activities of on operating budgets. the Washington Recreation & Park Association. We urge WRPA members to support and patronize those companies that have Which membership category fits? demonstrated commitment to our state organization. Dues $500

Individual * Contact Robin Hensiek, member services manager, for all Professional — For individuals currently employed in the field of your membership needs -– 888.459.0009 or 360.459.9396, parks, recreation and leisure services. *Dues based on annual salary. [email protected].

WRPA Today 31 NRPA Pacific Northwest Regional Council Officers Chair ...... Arvilla Ohlde President ...... Peter Mayer Chair Elect ...... Peter Mayer, Mercer Island, WA Past President ...... Denise Nichols Past Chair ...... Lori Stirn, Hood River, OR President Elect ...... Jennifer Schroder, CPRP Secretary ...... Don Horton Vice President ...... Mary Dodsworth, CPRP Awards Chair ...... Dee Craig, Oregon City, OR Secretary/Treas ...... Lori Cummings Sec./Treas Elect ...... John Keates, CPRP Regional Director ...... Diane C. Bombard, NRPA staff Alaska ...... Karl Kassel, Past President District Representatives Alaska ...... Wendie Marriott, Regional Rep. District #1 ...... Christy Kinney Alberta ...... Bernie Asbell, President Elect ...... Bob Vaux Alberta ...... Kay Kenny, Vice President District #2 ...... Brian Petty British Columbia ...... Kate Sparrow, President Elect ...... Christopher Williams District #3 ...... Jeremy Bubnick, CPRP British Columbia ...... Jason Winslade Elect ...... Darrell Jennings Idaho ...... vacant District #4 ...... Scott Pineo Idaho ...... vacant Elect ...... Andy Meade Montana ...... Gene Blackwell, Past President District #5 ...... Nolan Harper Montana ...... vacant Elect ...... Jim Dumont District #6 ...... Mike Jackson Oregon ...... Lori Stirn Elect ...... Kurt Dahmen Oregon ...... Mike Meija Washington ...... Denise Nichols, President Section Chairs Citizen vacancy ...... Judith Lobeir Administrators ...... Rick Still Elect ...... vacant Pacific Northwest Board of Trustees (BOT) Athletic/Fitness ...... Brian Hendricks Elect ...... Andrea Clay Dick Moe ...... Citizen PNW, Tacoma, Washington Aquatics ...... Tom Wunderlich Arvilla Ohlde ...... Professional PNW, Edmonds, Washington Elect ...... Lisa Greenmum Bob Robertson ...... Citizen PNW, Anchorage, Alaska Boards & Commissions ...... vacant Jennifer Schroder ...... Professional PNW, Kirkland, Washington Elect ...... vacant Dr. McNivch ...... Citizen at large Facility Section ...... Scott River Elect ...... Shirley Anderson Park Resources ...... Scott Williams Elect ...... Shane Gilbertson NRPA Branches & Sections Program Services ...... Tammy Balyiss American Parks & Recreation N.R.S.B. Elect ...... Shanna Crane Society A.P.R.S Erica Scheuring, Missula, MT Teen Services ...... Barry Fretwell Elect ...... Stu Spence Chuck Denny, Tumwater, WA Wendie Marriott, Unalaska, AK Ethnic Minority Society (EMS) Standing Committees Michelle Harper, Portland, OR Certification ...... Richard Bemm, CPRP Citizen Board Member (CBM) Conference Education Committee ...... Clarissa Ruston, CPRP Bob Robertson, Anchorage, AK Aquatic Section Constitution & Bylaws ...... Todd Anderson Debbie Wadleigh, Yakima, WA Higher Education Relations ...... Mike Elde Legislative ...... Larry Otos, CPRP National Therapeutic & Recreation Membership ...... Bob Houston Society (NTRS) At-Large Branch Trustee Public Relations Committee ...... Casey Stanley Jennifer Ertel, Challenge, AK Sharon Hubler, Boise, ID

Special Committees Leisure & Aging N.S.P.R. Scholarship ...... John Keates Beckey Lorber, Bremeteron, WA Julie McCleary *local liaison Strategic Planning ...... Patrick Foran Soccer Program ...... Ted Mittelstaedt Endowment ...... Mike Dobb S.P.R.E. Silent Auction ...... Tara Mizell Barb Brock, Eastern University WRPA Anniversary ...... Tracy Galloway NRPA Congress ...... B.J. Brooks & Patrick Foran WRPA is proud to be an Conference Dates Liaisons Affiliate member of the WRPA Annual Conference Emeritus ...... vacant National Recreation & 2007 Semiahmoo April 17-20 WSP ...... Don Hoch Park Association. 2008 To be determined IAC ...... Laura Johnson

WRPA Staff NRPA NRPA Congress Executive Director ...... Brit Kramer, CPRP, CAE 2237 Belmont Ridge Road 2006 Seattle Oct 10-14 Member Services Manager ...... Robin Hensiek Ashburn, VA 20148 2007 Indianapolis, IN Sept 25-29 Office Assistant ...... Joanna Scarborough 703.858.0784 2008 Baltimore Oct 14-18 Volunteer ...... Eden Miranda www.nrpa.org 2009 Salt Lake City Oct 13-17

Washington Recreation & Park Association Presorted Standard 4405 7th Avenue SE, Suite 202 US Postage Paid Lacey, WA 98503 Louisville, KY Permit No. 1477