Dr a ft CONFERENCE SESSIONS - Virginia Recreation and Park Society
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a ft Dr CONFERENCE SESSIONS CEU DETAILS WILL BE ADDED ONCE APPROVED Sunday, September 8, 2019 9-10:15am Influencing Change - Using Data to Tell Your Story Effectively - How to take your show on the road! Appropriate use of data and trends is critical when communicating with boards of directors, stakeholders, governmental agencies or your own staff. Data must be presented in charts and graphs combined with visual elements that are effective. Ineffective tracking of your story and lack of providing annual summaries leads to ineffective communication and is a barrier to success. This session will cover a variety of effective communication tools that are necessary when influencing change. #buildyourbrand #leadnotfollow Marlene Jolliffe, VP of Operations-Meadow Event Park & Executive Director State Fair of VA, Meadow Event Park & Commonwealth Fairs and Events The Cows are All Gone, but the Bull Is Still Here! - Strategies for managing park users' needs, expectations and complaints in your park system. Fifty years ago, Fairfax County was loaded with 1,000 dairy cows. Now it has millions of people playing in the fields. Thousands of park users' and neighbors' complaints and inquiries arrive on the Fairfax County Park Authority's doorstep each year. For each and every case, an accurate, timely and professional response is warranted. The source of these questions, concerns and complaints include individuals, groups, partners, and public officials. They are seeking resolution of issues encompassing a broad range of topics: grass length, field closures, trash, safety, security, vandalism, improper use, poor conditions, fallen and dangerous trees, behavior of other users, and staff behavior as well. Trails, shelters, restrooms, athletic fields, synthetic turf, rivers, lakes, ponds, meadows, parking lots, historic and modern buildings and equipment-these are only some of the reasons they reach out to their local park professional. In this session, you will learn how to manage your responses. #leadnotfollow #operations #superservice Todd Brown, Park Operations Division Director, CPRP, Fairfax County Park Authority Train, Retain, and Empower Your Swim Instructors Trying to improve your lesson program? Let's find ways to train your swim instructors by providing them with the essential tools they need in order to strengthen your lesson program, maximize your facility space, and recruit, train, and retain quality swim instructors. #aquatics #loveyourstaff #programming Kerstin Severin, Aquatics Services Manager, Town of Herndon and Christina Bolzman, Aquatics Programming Specialist, Town of Herndon Mental Health and Athletes The session will cover the attributes of athletes as to mental health, and the unique relationships and critical impact that coaches can have with athletes. The session will provide awareness of mental health challenges, and tools to engage - for non-mental health professionals. Topics to be covered include: •Athletes (competitors) experience unique stress and are the •"First Responder" concepts for coaches least likely to ask for help •Tools for engaging that can be used by coaches and non-mental •The high prevalence of mental health challenges during health professionals including LASRR - Listen, Accept, Support, adolescence and data to support. Refer and Report •Coaches have special and impactful relationship with athletes. •Attributes of Adolescent and how to view •The culture of athletics and unique stressors placed on athletes •Problem Signs - Cognitive, Social, Emotional and Behavioral •Developing resiliency and the powerful benefits. •Risky behaviors #athletics #healthfirst #leadnotfollow #teens #youth •Suicide Brian Monday, President, Eric Monday Foundation
a ft Dr Sunday, September 8, 2019 Beyond Sports Tourism, How Special Events Contribute to Community Success Festivals and other special events are often popular activities in communities that not only entertain, generate economic activity, and serve to celebrate community identity, they are also fantastic means of introducing people the community's public parks and recreation system. Public parks and recreation agencies play a major role in planning, managing, and hosting festivals and other community programs that often serve to draw new users into their facilities. Attendants to events hosted in downtown, parks, or recreation centers, who enjoy their experience may want to return for another event or program, or simply to enjoy the park or recreation facility. Participants in these special programs can become interested in visiting other parks, recreation facilities or participating in programs. #buildyourbrand #greatoutdoors #smartmoney Art Thatcher, Principle, GreenPlay LLC Creating A Network for Success: Networking Strategies For Conference First conference? Having a hard time developing a professional relationship that will help you advance in your career? This session will teach young professionals an introduction to networking, learning how to develop a network mindset at conference, creating mentorship opportunities, negating common myths about networking, and how to make a lasting first impression in your first conference. Attendees will learn ways to work through the anxieties associated with networking and create a guide to grow at conference. #careerdevelopment #strategy Roberto Ramos, Recreation Specialist II, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation 9-11:45am Exploring Public-Private Partnerships to Develop Parks and Foster Economic Development Parks are increasingly important as the economic development engines of our communities. At Roanoke County's Explore Park, administrators have taken an innovative approach to development, forging public-private partnerships to build and maintain new outdoor recreation amenities. The park also plays a critical role in the Virginia's Blue Ridge regional economic development and tourism plans. In this session we'll use Explore Park as a case study for success, examining how Roanoke County laid a positive groundwork through public engagement, worked with private partners to create a destination facility, and continues to make a tremendous regional impact. #costrecovery #leadnotfollow #operations #strategy Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Roanoke County and Scott Ramsburg, Marketing and Administrative Manager, Roanoke County Celebrating Community through Culturally Diverse Programming Demographics of our communities increasing reflects immigrant populations from - Middle East, China, South America, Mexico, and Africa. Paradigm shifts in programming need to occur to be more inclusive to integrate and reflect the changing culture. Linguistics and social economic barriers need to be addressed. Are the marketing tools we are using the right tools? Are there different ways to communicate and provide access to the cultural programs? Are we offering the right type of cultural programs? #casestudy #equity #immersiveexperiences #innovate #programming Cheryl Anne Colton, Regional Program Director, Office of the Arts, Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Gathoni Kamau, Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist for Education, Smithsonian Institution’s Nation Museum of African Art Take A Trip Down Sensory Lane: Creating Sensory Environments That Won't Have You "Snozelen" Come learn how sensory environments, spaces, and elements can impact all ages and abilities. Take a field trip to one of our newest community centers in Fairfax County and tour our state of the art sensory room. This session will provide you with budget friendly sensory ideas to take back to your community, a better understanding on what sensory environments are, and how they can impact your field. #immersiveexperiences #innovate #programming Sydney Solomon, CTRS, Program Manager, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Rebekah Stone, CTRS, Inclusion Specialist, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services OFFSITE TOUR – Free with conference registration but you must sign-up in advance. Sign-ups begin August 1.
a ft Dr Sunday, September 8, 2019 10:30-11:45am Pickleball: Taking Your Program to the Next Level This session will provide a platform for discussing some of the most common challenges with managing and sustaining successful pickleball programs. The session will highlight open gym programming, skills clinics, tournament management, difficult participants, and other relevant topics. Facility planning and design to accommodate future growth will also be presented. This session will provide helpful information for small start-up programs as well as large established programs. #55plus #athletics #fitness #programming Aaron Reidmiller, Director, Hopewell Recreation and Parks A League of Their Own: Highlighting Outstanding Youth Sports Programs Parks and recreation professionals know the value of recreational youth sports programs. But families can be drawn toward competitive travel programs and many recreation departments are seeing their program participation drop. That does not have to be the story in your community. This session will highlight real life case studies of strong, successful recreational youth sports programs committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in their community. The youth sports organizations featured have all earned the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation and have been recognized as Excellence in Youth Sports award winners. Participants will learn what these youth sports leaders did to make their programs stand out and will be able to take best practices back to their own communities. #athletics #programming #youth Kate Nematollahi, Director, Education Programs, National Alliance for Youth Sports More than the Place. It's a Feeling Creating community is at the heart of every design. Varying values, cultures, and needs of a community can be leveraged to create a cohesive vision for the future that builds community. Community parks function as the center of communities; connecting land, rivers, and people in places where they live and work. In this session you will learn how to reinvigorate your parks as vibrant public places that reflect the shared vision of the community you serve and connects citizens in meaningful ways. This includes looking at creating sustainable and functional designs that promote holistic development and overall well-being of individual users, as well as the broader community. We will lead you through a discussion centered around how to engage your citizens in a collaborative planning process aimed at maximizing the shared value of park spaces. #innovate #takeitoutside #urbanparks Mike Norris, Director of Land Planning & Recreation; McGill Associates What You Don't Know Can Kill You, and other less dramatic safety tips! In this session participants will learn about OSHA's standards for workplace safety and how to recognize common workplace hazards. We'll see real life examples and learn how to keep our employees and patrons safe by creating a culture of safety amongst all levels of your staff. Leave with ready to use templates and an outline for implementing safety practices within your facility that you can start using immediately! #leadnotfollow #operations #safety Ryan Brooks, CPM, Loss Prevention Analyst, Fairfax County Division of Risk Management Strengthening Organizational Performance Key areas of organizational performance can include a wide variety of attributes. The session will focus on four key areas: Vision and Strategic Direction, Leadership System, Workforce Environment, and the Development of Key Performance Indicators. These skills are important at all levels of leadership. Each of these topic areas will be explored in more detail. Examples include how to establish strategic direction, embedding innovation, talent management, and management of organizational knowledge. Creating competencies in these areas will result in maximizing the allocation of resources, retaining excellent employees, and positively impacting the community. #innovate #missiondriven #operations Cindy Curtis, Principal Consultant, CPRP, Heller and Heller Consulting LLC and Barbara Heller, BerryDunn
a ft Dr Sunday, September 8, 2019 Make Water Safety a Priority Today It was on a Monday, September 11, 2017. I was at work as the aquatic manager of an indoor pool. I thought about leaving at about 4:30pm, it was a slow day after a busy summer. Something told me to stay until 5pm. I was packing up my stuff to leave for the day when I heard the rescue whistle. I looked out at the pool but did not see anything. My pool manager said we have an unconscious guest. I looked over to the children's pool to see my lifeguard pull an unconscious child out of the pool. Are we doing everything in our power to prevent a drowning at aquatic facilities with lifeguards, at your backyard pool? It is 2019 and the culture of aquatic safety has not changed much. People are still drowning. Drowning is preventable. In this session, we will talk about how to ensure your aquatic facility is safe. How to make your home and backyard pool safe. Review drowning stories and statistics. How to change the culture so that not another child or person drowns? #aquatics #missiondriven #safety Kathryn Nestler, Aquatic Manager, CPRP, Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Learn how to navigate the power struggles of middle management Working in an environment of power struggles and changing expectations is challenging. Middle management has the unique pleasure of leading subordinates and following supervisors by making daily decisions on a power-state continuum. This session discusses the multiple coexisting roles that managers play and interprets positional understanding through a vertical orientation scale. We will cover management v leadership, middle power, vertical code-switching and the parallel between the value of middle managers and organizational output. Don't miss the big finish- it is very entertaining! #careerdevelopment #loveyourstaff #strategy Greg Cronin, MPA, CCD, Loudoun County 1-2:15pm Let's Build Some Brains! The Power of Play We want children to be successful, prepared for a lifetime of learning and health. But sometimes we forget kids today need a solid foundation of physical activity in order to support the meaty skills needed for their academic lives as well as their careers down the road. Children today are far more sedentary than they were even 10 years ago and it is changing the way their brains are wired, limiting their potential. With evidence drawn from studies and anecdotal stories of success, we will uncover the secrets of physical activity. We will examine how social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive success is built on a foundation of big body movement and play. We will consider how physical literacy is critical for a child's development and how it supports strengths and skills children need for the classroom. Be prepared to move and experience the childlike thrill of big body physical activity and how it builds a foundation of wellness and success. #fitness #healthfirst #youth Preston Blackburn, CEO, Program Developer at Pop, Hop & Rock Healthy Strides - A Wellness Program 10 Years Strong The pressure is on Parks and Recreation organizations to meet the demand for increased wellness programming. Healthy Strides has been Fairfax County Park Authority's signature community wellness program since it's simple beginning in 2010. You are invited to go behind the scenes of the Healthy Strides program to discover its evolution over the past 10 years - successes, failures, collaborations - all which have expanded the wellness programming capabilities and culture for FCPA. This session will help you to prioritize wellness as an influential factor in planning for your parks/recreation organization, understand the value of a community wellness program, and apply lessons learned from Healthy Strides to your existing community wellness program. #healthfirst #innovate #programming Elizabeth Ittner, CWP, Wellness Coordinator, Fairfax County Park Authority
a ft Dr Sunday, September 8, 2019 We Can Play Too! Ever wonder just HOW to provide Inclusion services in your programs, parks and events? Inclusion is including people with disabilities in everyday activities and encouraging them to participate and have similar lives as their peers who do not have a disability. How we make that happen is KEY to social acceptance and relationships. This class will teach you how to develop a program with inclusivity as well as train your staff to have the confidence to teach them! #leadnotfollow #programming Jennifer Godfrey-Leleux, Recreation Coordinator, Henrico County Recreation and Parks The Haves and the Have Nots: The Pursuit of Equitable Recreation Equitable Recreation: two words with huge consequences. We actively pursue a love of this profession, regardless of our clientele, challenges, or circumstances. To meet the changing needs of the community, it is imperative to create diverse and attractive programs and resources. Socioeconomic barriers must be addressed and eliminated to reflect our personal and professional values. From this day forward, let's be intentional in providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all. #equity #leadnotfollow Debbie Woodbury, Regional Program Director, CPM, CPRP, MPA, City of Alexandria Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Tori Spaugh Darensburg, Recreation Programs Analyst, Senior, CPRP, M.S., City of Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources Develop, Engage, Retain - The Importance of Email Marketing Databases This session will provide professionals with effective strategies for development, engagement, retention, and measurement of a customer email marketing database. Topic areas covered are research, organization, content management, communication, deployment, measuring, monitoring, maintaining and growth. #buildyourbrand #digitalmarketing #innovate #missiondriven #programming Roberta Korzen, Golf Marketing Specialist, Fairfax County Park Authority Creating a Strategy Focused Organization Employees appreciate working in an organization that has a well-defined direction and a path to get there. Strategy focused organizations are positioned to do well in anticipating changing community needs, adapt to industry trends, and have a more pro-active approach to service delivery. Fire-fighting and reacting to events as they arise are counter-productive to efficient and effective services. While many generally yawn at the topic of strategy, this highly interactive session will show how strategy can be effective as well as fun. #innovate #leadnotfollow #strategy Barbara Heller, BerryDunn Scenic Recreation - What it Means to Recreation Planners We value scenery. In fact, 89% of Virginians think scenery is important in making travel plans. This session will discuss what influences beautiful scenery and what our scenic views mean to personal health and healing. It will also discuss the Virginia Outdoors Survey and recreational statistics as it relates to scenery and recreation. Learn what identifying scenic areas involves and how to use this to enhance the recreational experience. #conserveandprotect #naturalresources #parkboards Lynn Crump, PLA, Scenic Resources Coordinator, Environmental Programs Planner, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation 2:30-4pm Business Meeting For the Love of Cities and Parks Peter Kageyama is the author of For the Love of Cities: The Love Affair Between People and Their Places and the follow up, Love Where You Live: Creating Emotionally Engaging Places. He is the former President of Creative Tampa Bay, a grassroots community change organization and the co-founder of the Creative Cities Summit, an interdisciplinary conference that brings citizens and practitioners together around the big idea of ‘the city.’ Peter is a Senior Fellow with the Alliance for Innovation, a national network of city leaders and a special advisor to America In Bloom. He is an internationally sought-after community development consultant and grassroots engagement strategist who speaks all over the world about bottom-up community development and the amazing people who are making change happen. Keynote, Peter Kageyama, Sponsored by Reston Community Center of Reston, VA
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Monday, September 9, 2019
8-9:15am
Creating an Inclusive workforce- Working with your State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to help your staffing needs
Leslie Díaz-Ortiz, Rehabilitation Counselor from the Virginia Department from Aging and Rehabilitative Services(DARS) will discuss
the benefits of creating a workforce where individuals with disabilities work alongside their none disabled peers to create a more
inclusive and productive work place. Session attendees will learn about our current partnership between Manassas DARS and
Prince William Department for Parks and Recreation and how the Splashdown Waterpark management team has benefited from this
continued partnership.
#innovate #partnerships
Leslie Díaz-Ortiz, Rehabilitation Counselor MRC, CRC, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Understanding your role as a Title II agency under the ADA
This session will explore the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to Title II agencies and Parks and Recreation. Session
information will include the ADA and how it applies to your organization, examples and solutions to common ADA requests and
needs, and how to develop an effective Transition plan for your organization.
#equity #programming; #safety
Veronica Laughman, CTRS, ADA Coordinator, Prince William County Parks and Recreation, and Gary Logue, ADA
Coordinator, Fairfax County Park Authority
Fit Fast Focused Lifeguards
Train your lifeguards to be fit, fast and focused with ideas on how to integrate physical activity, healthy choices and fun activities into
your aquatic program. We will look at the data connection between fitness, diet, and cognitive performance, resulting in more focused
lifeguards with a quick reaction time to the victim and how fitness training plays a key role with lifeguards both on and off surveillance.
#aquatics #healthfirst #loveyourstaff #programming #safety
Katie Cleasby, AFO, LGI, Loudoun County Parks and Recreation
The First 12 Minutes - Preparing the Whole-Community for an Active Shooter Event
The First 12 Minutes is an innovative “model” program focusing on the whole-community response to an active shooter event. The
program trains individuals how to respond with proactive options that provide a positive outcome. Steps include identifying and
avoiding the threat, proper counter techniques and treating casualties with Stop-The-Bleed techniques. The program reviews the
history and data from lessons learned, to include “how did those in harm’s way respond?” It will look into the importance of taking
action and the relationship between law enforcement response times and the speed of violence. This presentation will focus on
creating a comprehensive program that has successfully been delivered to government employees, schools, houses of worship, and
the community. Those trained have demonstrated a sense of empowerment; they have expressed a greater sense of individual and
community competency in preparedness when faced with what was thought to be a hopeless event.
#innovate #partnerships #safety
Tom Polera, Emergency Manager and Chief Fire Marshal, City of Falls Church Police Department
We’ll take the other ones! - The benefits of focusing on non-traditional sports marketing areas
The session will focus on targeting, recruiting and hosting unique and niche sporting events for the benefits of economic
development, brand recognition and community well roundedness.
#athletics #smartmoney #takeitoutside
Allen Hayes, Athletics Manager, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourisma ft
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
Tree Inventories as Planning Tools
What do you know about your trees? Not only if it’s an oak or a maple, but what story does it tell? Can you share how healthy your
tree canopy is, and what impact that it has on your community? This session will focus on how to conduct a tree inventory, how to
analyze the data and share the story of your forest health, and how to use this information to be proactive in your tree maintenance.
#conserveandprotect #naturalresources
Bob Williams, CPRP, Division Chief, Natural Resources, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, City of Alexandria
8-10:45am
A Partnership for Park Prescriptions
Substantial research has been conducted on the therapeutic benefits of time spent in nature. Park Prescriptions are a new approach
for reducing chronic conditions in the community. This session will give an overview of the efforts made by the Health Department
and the Park Authority in Fairfax County, Virginia to make prescribing parks a viable community health improvement effort, in
partnership with Park Rx America, based in Washington D.C. This collaborative approach to implementing a Park Rx program serves
as a model for other health and parks/rec organizations.
#healthfirst #partnerships #takeitoutside
Elizabeth Ittner, CWP, Wellness Coordinator, Fairfax County Park Authority
Fariss Agatone, Geospatial Analyst, Fairfax County Park Authority
Sharon Arndt, MPH, MPA, Division Director of Community Health Development, Fairfax County Health Department
John Henderson, CPRE, J.D., Executive Director, Park Rx America
OSHA 101
Virginia OSHA has authority to cite state and local government organizations with monetary penalties exceeding $126,000 (for
hazards that their employees are exposed to). I will help individuals in understanding basic OSHA and VOSH requirements, as well as
recognizing and eliminating hazards in the workplace. This course will also cover employee and employer rights and responsibilities
during a VOSH inspection.
#careerdevelopment #safety
Vinny Gallo, Acting Risk Manager, City of Manassas
9:30-10:45am
Social Inclusion with a Recreation Infusion
“I wish there was a way I could better help older adults in my center succeed once they need more support!” “If only I knew a way
to make my center the optimal place for an older adult to succeed?” “How can I help my staff understand how to adapt activities so
individuals can participate in their favorite ones?” If you’ve ever heard yourself or your staff saying any of this, then you’ve picked
the right session. In this session, you will gain an understanding of the Social Inclusion Model and how a public private partnership
in Fairfax County has used a multidisciplinary approach to help older adults with minor disabilities actively participate in the day-
to-day activities at Centers. Participants will learn creative approaches to training staff and volunteers on social inclusion as well as
innovative ways to revamp your program and adapt activities so that ALL participants will succeed! We hope that by sharing our
experiences, successes, and lessons learned- you can find ways
#55plus #innovate #programming
Dee White, Fairfax County Senior Center Director, CTRS, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
Rose Robinson, Recreation Therapist, CTRS, ServiceSource, Inc.
Art Attack! How to Make the Arts and Culture Meaningful Parts of Park and Recreation Plans
Acquire knowledge and skills to help plan arts and culture programming more intentionally and deeply to animate public places,
augment class and workshop offerings, and connect to locally-based non-profit arts organizations more effectively, cooperatively
and collaboratively.
#buildyourbrand #equity #immersiveexperiences #innovate
Leila Gordon, Executive Director, Reston Community Centera ft
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
Growing To New Heights By Creating Collaborative Partnerships
Are you interested in; Building Successful Collaborative Partnerships, Improving Team Effectiveness and Planning Amazing
Activities? Come out to share best practices related to collaboration and receive new and unique ideas for initiating and developing
collaborative partnerships along with identifying resources.
#innovate #partnerships #programming
Tiffanie Rosier, Owner/Career Coach, AllStar Photobooth/Thomas Nelson Community College
Aren’t Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields Maintenance-Free?
How do you maintain something that is “maintenance-free”? Having one of the largest inventories of synthetic turf in the country,
Fairfax County has learned a thing or two about what is and is not necessary when it comes to maintaining synthetic turf. Come hear
what have we learned along the way, how did we develop a synthetic turf maintenance program and how was it implemented to
maximize the life of a synthetic turf athletic field. Share some of your experiences and take home some ideas on how to improve
your maintenance to extend the life of your synthetics!
#athletics #operations #safety #stewardship #youth
Kevin Williams, Branch Manager, CPRP, Fairfax County Park Authority
Sam Burris, Turfgrass Specialist, CNMP, Fairfax County Park Authority
10 Questions Leaders Should Stop Asking
With pressure piling up from massive amounts of data, the expectation to do more with less, and demands from elected officials
and the public, it’s easy to become preoccupied with looking for answers. The key to getting better results starts by asking
better questions - something that came naturally to us as children, but unfortunately we’re often out of practice by the time we
reach adulthood. We’ll walk through ten questions that leaders often ask that, even with good intentions, can have unintended
consequences and lead to less-than-stellar results. In this session, leaders at all levels and stages in their career will learn how asking
better questions can make you a more effective supervisor, better connect and engage with others, and find more creative solutions
to problems.
#innovate #leadnotfollow #savvymanager
Bobbi Nance, President, CPRP, Recreation Results LLC
The ABC’s of the X,Y and Z’s: Understanding the Pitfalls of Generational Management
Understand the commonly held model for generational differences and how it may be a cause for concern in your organization.
What are the pitfalls for using a generalized approach in management and how have other organizations managed without using
these commonly accepted stereotypes. In addition, learn a basic customized leadership and management style based on your
organization and the individuals that you manage.
#careerdevelopment #equity #leadnotfollow #loveyourstaff
Dan Smith, Deputy Director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation and Aaron Reidmiller, Director, Hopewell Recreation and Parks
Nontraditional Pool Programming
1:15-2:30pm
Trauma & Resilience Basics- Trauma-Informed Care is for Everyone!
In this session, participants will learn the basics about trauma and resilience. How does adversity impact the people that we work
with, and what can we do to build resilience in our participants and in our communities? Using a mix of lecture and large group
discussion, participants will be introduced to the principles of trauma-informed care, and the application of trauma-informed
principles to their work as a method to improve equitable service delivery.
#equity #partnerships
Christina Cunningham, MSSW, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Servicesa ft
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
#ThinkBigger: Creating Programs around National Initiatives
Programmers are constantly tasked with creating, implementing, and executing fun, innovative and unique programs. Consistently
creating well-attended programs where participants can learn and/or experience something new is a challenge. Building these
problems can be cumbersome and overwhelming. So why not use the tools that are already out there? National initiatives such as
First Day Hike, the Longest Day of Play, American Heart Month and Women’s Health Week are all examples of health and recreation
initiatives that patrons can get excited about. This session will highlight how to think “bigger” as a programmer and use national
program trends and other resources to create a unique programs that will fit into the community.
#healthfirst #innovate #programming
Sarah O’Reilly, Program Coordinator, CPRP, James City County
Kristen Tolj, Program Coordinator, Health and Wellness, James City County
Activating Urban Parks through Interim Use
The City of Alexandria spent more than 30 years in the planning process developing a community-led, long term vision for its
Potomac River waterfront. In 2014, the City negotiated the purchase and transfer of private property at the heart of the plan, which
created an immediate opportunity to accelerate by nearly 10 years a portion of the redevelopment. This portion of the plan is a
premiere Old Town destination for residents and tourism surrounded by historic landmarks, restaurants, night-life, and cultural
activities. The City capitalized on this opportunity to construct and open an interim park, creating a new, flexible space for a passive
and active recreation, while minimizing the construction costs through re-purposing existing infrastructure. Multiple departments
came together to develop an activation plan to kick off the park opening, provide a variety of activities for the community, and guide
future redevelopment.
#casestudy #conserveandprotect #naturalresources #partnerships #programming #urbanparks
Jack Browand, Division Chief, Park Planning, Capital Development & Waterfront; CPRP, CPM, City of Alexandria Department
of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
Anthony Gammon, Deputy Director, Department of Project Implementation, Licensed Civil Engineer, City of Alexandria
Department of Project Implementation
Painting the Big Picture to Understand our Vision and Plan
Developing our vision & strategic plan is often about bringing together differing viewpoints in order to visualize “the big picture.” The
greatest plans are those that come together through the sharing of common goals to create a masterpiece.
This workshop will create a scenario in which participants can understand the challenges of having one vantage while being
encouraged to see how
they fit within a broader puzzle. The exercise will boost cooperation and communication. To make this exercise fun and interactive,
we will ask participants break into small groups, each responsible for painting and/or drawing a small segment of “The Big Picture”.
Having no idea what
the final image would be, teams will work together to ensure that lines meet and colors match.
After the painting is complete, we will reflect up how this exercise is representative of strategic planning.
#leadnotfollow #missiondriven
Dana Wedeles, Principal Planner, City of Alexandria
Breaking Barriers: Therapeutic Recreation and Community Development
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) is a developing field and is being intermittently exposed in the public sector of Parks and Recreation.
With this session the audience will be provided a detailed explanation of how TR was developed within a city. Participants will
examine different community resources and groups that tribute to the success of the program. The audience will participate in mock
activities to show the different ways to adapt simple programs. A round table discussion will be held at the end of the session to
discuss other community initiatives, successes, community barriers and more.
#innovate #missiondriven #partnerships #programming
AJ McCage, CTRS, Soar 365a ft
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
Amping Up Your Customer Experience
In a world where customized, on-demand, Instagrammable services are quickly becoming the norm, how are park and recreation
organization supposed to compete? We will run through pointed questions that will have you stepping into your customers’ shoes in
order to re-evaluate the way you think about your programs, facilities, and services and show you the keys to increasing customer
loyalty at your organization. Leave with a new perspective and a to-do list that you can take back and put into action.
#buildyourbrand #immersiveexperiences #superservice
Bobbi Nance, President, CPRP, Recreation Results LLC
The High Performing Organization
Many organizations aspire to be high performing or think they are but lack evidence to support this perception. Learn the elements
of a high performing organization based on the Baldrige Program for Performance Excellence. For 30 years, the Baldrige Program
has set the worldwide standard for performance excellence. By using a systems perspective of leadership actions, the program has
shown validated results across different industries and sectors of government, health care, education, manufacturing, services, and
non-profit organizations. Learn how two local organization apply these principles to local government recreation and park functions.
The City of Alexandria uses the Baldrige Criteria to support all services and deliver increasing value to residents. The Alexandria
School District’s Aquatics Division works inside an organization that uses Baldrige as the guiding management practice. The leaders of
both jurisdictions have received recognition for performance excellence.
#aquatics #innovate #leadnotfollow
James Spengler, Director, Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities, City of Alexandria
Not Your Average Inservice
This session will be require HIGHLY motivated and involved participants. We will be on our feet, moving around the room, and
participating in “activities with a purpose.” The session will be addressing on how to create effective inservices and trainings to
address the learning styles of all your employees. This session will draw from our Aquatics background but we will be applying our
activities to fitness, camp, preschool, and much more!
#aquatics #careerdevelopment #immersiveexperiences #leadnotfollow #loveyourstaff #savvymanager #teens #youth
Kat Fish, Aquatics Specialist II, CPRP, Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Ashley Fink, Aquatics Program Coordinator, Prince William County Schools Aquatic Center
2:45-4pm
Partnerships for Better Programs
Our Outreach efforts here in the City Of Alexandria with other agencies, both city and outside, have impacted and changed the direction
and course of services to our citizens. We do this by offering a variety of programs through partnerships with non-profits organizations
Law-enforcement, Fire & Sherriff departments, Courts, Schools and many other groups. We hope to engage and encourage others in the
rewards that come from building stronger relationships within their communities, such as parents support group, community cook-outs
and registration of programs offered, Safe place program for kids in crisis from bullying, sex trafficking , gangs, drugs abuse and more.
#careerdevelopment #partnerships #safety
Michael Johnson, Community Outreach Coordinator, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, City of Alexandria
Bennie Evans, Police Officer, City of Alexandria Police Department
Stop. Collaborate. Listen. How a partnership between PCRS and a CVB turned alphabet soup into success
For decades, two organizations-one a governmental agency and the other a non-profit-in Loudoun County, Virginia had similar
missions: to dive demand for the county’s resources, provide outstanding customer service and promote a high quality of life for
residents and visitors. Yet, these two organizations were often at odds, missing key opportunities that would not only benefit each
organization but the county as a whole. Through intentional leadership, these two organizations put aside the perceived territorial
issue and built a relationship that has exceeded all expectations.
#leadnotfollow #missiondriven #partnerships
Steve Torpy, Director, CPRP, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Beth Erickson, President & CEO, CTA, CDME, Visit Loudouna ft
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
Meet Alexandria’s Mobile Art Lab
The Mobile Art Lab is an ongoing program delivery model that provides a new, innovative, and cost-effective way of delivering
accessible, diverse, and community-focused arts programming to the residents of Alexandria. The Mobile Art Lab goes to where
the people are - no longer placing the burden on people to come to the programs, which helps to increase program exposure and
reduce the need for extensive marketing and registration. Join us for a fun, engaging session on launching mobile programs and make
some art while you’re there.
#equity #innovate #programming
Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director, City of Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department
Public Speaking 101
Learn how to create and share your stories. Steps to overcome fear, find an audience and find your voice! From small groups to
national conferences, staff meetings to professional organizations, this presentation will focus on getting YOU up in front.
Sandra Kellogg, Aquatic Operations, MVRC, Fairfax County Park Authority
What your customers want but won’t tell you
It’s common to survey your customers to ask them what types of programs and services that they’re looking for, but in that we miss a huge
piece of the puzzle. It’s not just “what” we offer that matters, but “how.” Understanding the driving forces that impact consumer behavior
and incorporating them early into your programs and services can provide a huge boost to your participation, revenue, and customer
satisfaction. We’ll showcase examples where outside influences and trends are shaping that way that your customers are making decisions
about how to spend their time and money and strategize ways you can adapt them to your own program and services.
#immersiveexperiences #innovate
Bobbi Nance, President, CPRP, Recreation Results LLC
Mater Man’s Midlife Crisis: How A Department Streamlined a Beloved 40 Year Community Event
Hanover County Tomato Festival began 40 years ago as a local volunteer Fire Department Open House, and now attracts between
25,000 and 40,000 participants each year. The free single day festival is a local mainstay with exhibitors, children’s rides, food
vendors and entertainment. Over the years, the Hanover Tomato Festival has welcomed thousands of happy attendees and
is beloved by the county residents and those across central Virginia. Overworked staff, poor coordination with other county
departments, and a lack of “behind the scenes” clarity caused staff to operate in an inefficient and ineffective manner. While the
public was happy with the event, staff continued to struggle by falling into that old adage of working harder, not smarter. With a new
organizational structure and clearly defined responsibilities, the result has been less pain on the Parks and Recreation staff, safer
event for attendees, and more efficient use of personnel and resources.
#operations #partnerships #safety
Marcy Durrer, Recreation Program Director, CPRP, Hanover County Parks and Recreation
Dan Smith, Deputy Director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation
Living Building Challenge Accepted: The Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center
Are you familiar with LEED but want your building to make a bigger impact to improve the environment and communicate one’s
impact on it? This session will share lessons learned from the design of the Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center, the first
Living Building Challenge (LBC) project for both the A/E team and the Fairfax County Parks Authority. The A/E and the client are utilizing
this new 6,000-sf municipal facility as a catalyst for future green building projects. Learn about the common overlap between different
green building rating systems, how to comply with multiple standards (often requiring different objectives), and how to develop a
strong, trusting client relationship with multiple end users and stakeholders involved. Engage with both the architect and client to gain a
full perspective of the process and why this was right for the Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center.
#innovate #leadnotfollow #stewardship
Eric Inman, Registered Architect, Project Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority
Kathryn Slattery, AIA, Principal, Quinn Evans Architectsa ft
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GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
2:45-5:30pm
LGBTQ Cultural Competency and Allyship Training
As parks and recreation professionals, we must be prepared to serve our whole community. Being LGBTQ affirming is more than simply
accepting that LGBTQ exist. We must understand the community, appreciate the nuances and power in our language, and make visible
efforts to ensure LGBTQ people feel invited, affirmed, and celebrate in our facilities. This workshop, led by a PFLAG youth facilitator from
Prince William County, will build your foundation of being a true LGBTQ ally and challenge you to continue to progress in your allyship.
#buildyourbrand #digitalmarketing #strategy
Jason Shriner, Marketing Manager, City of Manassas Park, Department of Parks and Recreation
Ethical Management in P&R
Ethical decisions are not always clear nor are they easy to resolve. In this session, you will learn to recognize the implications of
ethical problems when they arise. Through the utilization of real-life examples encountered in the Parks and Recreation field, you
will learn steps to objectively resolve personal and professional ethical issues and dilemmas.
#leadnotfollow #savvymanager
Michael Kirschman, Director, CPRP, Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation
4:15-5:30pm
Basics of program evaluation and applications for Non-formal Learning programs
This session will provide a review of the 3 types of program evaluation. Participants will see examples of 8 different evaluation tools
and their common uses. Participants will collaborate with peers on applications for evaluating programs at their own park.
#missiondriven #programming #savvymanager
Tammy Schwab, Manager, Education and Outreach, Resource Management Division, Fairfax County Park Authority
Sibshops: Supporting children who have a sibling with special needs
In the U.S. there are more than 56 million people living with a disability. Approximately 4.5 million are people diagnosed with
intellectual or developmental disabilities. Most of these individuals have typically developing siblings. Siblings will likely be in the
lives of family members with special needs longer than anyone and yet we seldom offer them support. Sibshops are high energy
workshops that aim to address this need in a recreational environment. Parks and Rec is a wonderful organization to host Sibshops
with all of their access to recreational activities.
#teens #youth
Kelsey Laubach, Community Recreation Programmer, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation
Public Art - What You Didn’t Know You Need to Know
Many Park and Recreation Departments are responsible for public art programs. In this interactive and engaging session learn about
tools and resources for structuring and managing a public art program, delivering quality public art on a limited budget, integrating
public art in your community, artist selection, community engagement, how to deal with gifts of public art, and other important
elements in a way that is easy to understand and share with your departments.
#innovate #strategy #urbanparks
Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director, City of Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department
Social Media: Doing More with Less
Social media is an effective way for local governments to engage citizens and encourage local park exploration; scenic parks and diverse
programs offer ample inspiration for digital content. But limited resources and competing priorities often prevent park agencies from
taking full advantage of this content. Join us at this session and explore best practices for building a digital media strategy that promotes
park initiatives, builds your brand and serves as an extension of your interpretive efforts - all with limited resources.
#buildyourbrand; #digitalmarketing #strategy
Cristin Bratt, Deputy Public Information Officer, Fairfax County Park Authority
Greg Licamele, Director of External Affairs, Fairfax County Governmenta ft
Dr
GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
Do More With Your Data
Park and recreation organizations are beginning to grasp the power of data to transform organizational culture, increase operational
efficiency, and better serve their communities. But making that happen can be a daunting task, causing many to give up before
they’ve even really started. Whether you’re looking to improve or are still trying to get started, learn what areas to focus on, how to
rally the “people persons” on your team, and other key lessons shared through stories and real-life examples.
#strategy #tech
Bobbi Nance, President, CPRP, Recreation Results LLC
What’s lurking in your Concessions Food?
Are you practicing food safety in your concessions areas? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million
people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne disease each year in the United States.
Food safety matters to everyone. Every guest at your operation trusts you to help keep their family members safe while they are
eating your food. This session will focus on actual real-life situations where food violations occurred. And most important, key areas
and procedures that you can focus on in your own food environment to keep your venues food safe.
#healthfirst #operations #safety
Paul Price, Food and Beverage Manager, Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Considerations for Managing Trees in the Metro Forest
Tree communities in urban and metropolitan areas are vital to the health and wellbeing of the residents living in and around these
wooded areas. The benefits trees provide are not always obvious but important to maintaining an active ecosystem, recreational
enjoyment and land conservation. This session will discuss the health and environmental benefits a well maintained urban canopy
provides to your community.
#conserveandprotect #healthfirst #naturalresources
Scott Diffenderfer, Senior Arborist, Fairfax County Park Authoritya ft
Dr
GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
8-9:15am
Nutrient Management in Parks
An important component of delivering a safe and aesthetically pleasing natural grass sports field is to develop a fertility program
that meets both the needs of the grass and the sports field manager. A successful fertility program revolves around understanding
the needs of the grass selected for the field (warm season or cool season) and how it will respond positively (or negatively) to
fertilization depending on the source, the timing, and the field use/maintenance schedule. This presentation will detail the steps
involved in developing a nutrient management plan and how that plan can be used to not only protect the environment, but to also
save money in the selection and application of products in the quest to provide the safest, highest quality playing surface possible.
#athletics #conserveandprotect #savvymanager
Nick Yakish, VA Urban Nutrient Management Program Coordinator, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation
Mike Goatley, Turfgrass Professor and Extension Specialist, VA Tech
Starting Adaptive Gymnastics in a Community Setting
What does it take to start special needs gymnastics in your community? Learn about all the components needed to create a special
needs gymnastics program including facility and equipment needs, staff training and program development. Understand and the
social, sensory and motor benefits gained by individuals in your program.
#programming
Elena Messenger, Therapeutic Recreation Programmer II, MS, CTRS, CARSS
It's All About Me: Personalized Recreation Program Planning
In today's society, it seems more and more people are finding the value of personalized programs that meet their specific needs.
Aquatics, fitness and other sports have seen increased interest in private or personal training sessions and as a result, recreation
providers have designed programs to meet the demand. Learn from real life experiences about key components, barriers, risks,
technology, and best practices in the industry. This session will benefit those who already have existing private training programs or
would like to begin these type of programs in the future.
#costrecovery #fitness #programming
Jennifer Lainhart, Program Specialist, Arlington County Government, Department of Parks and Recreation
Designing Aquatic Facilities for Your Community and Checkbook
Find out what it takes to create a successful aquatic facility that meets the demands of both the community and the city's
checkbook. Jacob Heuss, Studio Director at Aquatic Design Group (ADG), can share his experience designing aquatic facilities
throughout the U.S. After extensive research and surveying hundreds of facilities, ADG has discovered the fine lines between
developing facilities that stay afloat financially versus those that drown in costs and ongoing expenses. Citing numerous community
pool examples, Jacob will illustrate and discuss how centers can balance public demand and financial health, how to break even
with total cost recovery and how directors can address concerns and demands from a city council and community.
#aquatics #costrecovery #programming
Jacob Heuss, Studio Director, Aquatic Design Group
"What About Me?!"--The Risk of Rewarding One vs. the Benefit of Supporting All
Making your employees and volunteers feel supported and valued can come in many different forms and requires a variety of
organizational strategies. One common strategy is the use of rewards and recognition. This session will begin with you completing a
brief assessment of your organization's reward and recognition practices. Then, Daniel will share the results of a study he conducted
at a summer camp in the Midwest (and used for his Master's Thesis) where he set out to answer the question, "How does recognizing
some staff and not others impact the 'others', or non-recipients?" The session will then evolve into a broader conversation around
best practices for making employees feel supported and valued, the challenges you see in your organization in doing so, and
breakout groups to brainstorm strategies for addressing such challenges. Everyone deserves to feel valued, and this session will give
you ideas and tools to make that happen!
#loveyourstaff #savvymanager #strategy
Daniel Shore, Researcher, George Mason Universitya ft
Dr
GROWING TO NEW HEIGHTS
VRPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7 - 10, 2019 NORTHERN VIRGINIA vrps.com
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
8-10:45am
A Regional Movement for Healthier Vending
Substantial research has been conducted on the benefits of offering healthy snacks and beverages to customers in any setting.
With a focus on customer wellness, the Fairfax County Park Authority made the switch to more nutritious products back in 2016.
This session will give an overview of the efforts made by the Park Authority, in partnership with the Fairfax Food Council and
American Heart Association to implement a successful healthy vending program in the park facilities. With community support, this
collaborative partnership strives to be a model for other County agencies and regional organizations to opt for healthier food and
beverage vending choices.
#healthfirst #leadnotfollow #partnerships
Elizabeth Ittner, CWP, Wellness Coordinator, Fairfax County Park Authority
Terri Siggins, PhD, Project Manager, Fairfax Food Council
Gerod Blue, Community Advocacy Director, American Heart Association
9:30-10:45am
Parks and Recreation! Creating Healthy Communities across the Country
Local park and recreation agencies are virtually in every community across the country serving a wide distribution of the population
including communities with limited access to health resources, high levels of poverty, and high rates of chronic disease. Not only
do parks and recreation professionals have the skills and knowledge and trust of the community to be able to offer a variety
of programs and services, but the field is constantly reinventing itself to be able to serve the changing needs and desires of the
populations served. Join our session to learn more about NRPA's health and wellness resources available and interact with your
peers to learn more about how they are tackling the most pressing public health issues in their communities.
#55plus #partnerships #programming
Lesha Spencer-Brown, Program Manager, MPH, CPH, National Recreation and Park Association
Allison Colman, Senior Program Manager, National Recreation and Park Association
Sustainability by Design
As splashpads continue to hold the #1 spot for most commonly planned park addition, it is essential to approach their design,
maintenance and lifecycle through the lens of sustainability. Successful splashpads must account for not just environmental, but also
social and economic implications-the three pillars of sustainability. This presentation serves as a playbook for sustainable splashpad
design. Gain powerful insight into new design trends, demographic needs, play-value optimization, innovative energy and resource
management and emerging technologies that are helping facilities maximize lifecycle, minimize maintenance and plan for the future.
#aquatics #healthfirst #innovate
Jim Hartman, Sales Executive, Vortex Aquatic Structures
Who Needs Friends When You Work for the Government?
What can a Friends Group do for you? Working with your volunteer groups builds community support, enhances your programs and
facilities and can assist with advocacy efforts on your behalf. It is critical to make these connections and build these relationships,
so they are ready to provide support in times of crisis. Clearly establishing working relationships, signing Memorandums of
Understanding, aligning missions and goals will all help to lay the groundwork for ensuring that your agency is benefitting from the
energy and passion of your community.
#missiondriven #partnerships #strategy
Allison Rankin, Management Analyst, MPA, Fairfax County Park Authority
Mary Olien, Site Operations Branch Manager, Fairfax County Park AuthorityYou can also read
