Wednesday, March 11th
8:30 – 9:40 AM
DEVELOPING A TURF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WITH IPM AND STATE REGULATIONS—RICHARD CALARCCO
This session will take participants through the process of writing an IPM plan in accordance with CT State Standards. Participants
will learn to identify the CT state turf laws, how to outline a DEEP-approved IPM plan, and how to explain their turf plan to others.
DETERMINING WORKER STATUS—MARY ROGERS
This session will cover the process to make a determination of a worker’s status as either Employee or Contractor under Federal
Payroll Tax Law. We’ll discuss questions you should ask about your relationship with the worker, facts to consider, and specific
decisions. We’ll review the Federal implications of misclassifying a worker as well as how to get and IRS determination. Specific
examples of Park and Recreation workers will be used.
FITNESS FOCUSED PLAY— MICHAEL FINGEROTH
This session will enable participants to design playgrounds to get and keep kids active and help participants make a positive,
healthy impact on their communities. Attendees will learn about the physical fitness benefits gained by kids using a playground. In
addition, they will learn why these fitness benefits are important in child development and building a healthy future. They’ll also
learn and how to design playgrounds with these fitness benefits in mind for kids to achieve maximum physical fitness.
Key Customer Service Indicators—Carolyn McKnight
Session will allow participants an opportunity to review and discuss critical customer service impact issues. Participants will review
highly effective strategies to get to the bottom of customer service concerns. Participants will explore how to ask the right questions
to conduct the correct analysis that will improve service levels. The session will also allow program and service providers to receive
meaningful feedback that can be acted upon, hence happier guests, elevated brands and safer facilities. All techniques ae
designed to be highly practical and implemented immediately.
9:55 – 11:05 AM
BARBARA TULIPANE - KEYNOTE SPEAKER –
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) identified Three Pillars that strengthen local parks and
recreation – conservation, health and wellness and social equity. The pillars are guiding principles and it is under
these three areas that parks and recreation demonstrate their leadership, value and benefits to the community and
the country. NRPA President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE, will talk about the strategy and importance of the
pillars and how, by championing and adopting the pillars, parks and recreation can achieve greater impact and earn
added support.
11:20 – 12:30 PM
Water Use and Conservation for Turf and Outdoor Facilities — MICHELLE DACOSTA, PH.D
Water availability for irrigation of turfgrasses is a major concern for the turfgrass industry. Drought conditions and overall summer
stress can result in significant weakening of turf, which enhance turfgrass susceptibility to insect, disease, and weed infestation.
Utilizing appropriate management practices as integral part of an IPM program can promote the health and persistence of turfgrass
and thus reduce reliance on pesticides. This seminar will focus on water use characteristic s of turfgrass as well as the strategies
for maintaining optimum turf function under reduced imputs.
AQUATICS—CHERYL FINLEY AND KEVIN BAILEY
As Recreation/Aquatic Professionals sometimes it is nice to know you are not the only one. We are focusing on Documentation:
What to and What not to document. Rules Do we cover enough or not. Policies with Family Changing rooms, equipment and
Manuals do we cover everything or is it too much? Come to the table with your questions, comments, concerns, or examples of
your policies and procedures or advice. Anything you may have questioned last summer lets try to figure out before next season.
“INCLUSION” IN SPORT & RECREATION PROGRAMS—HOW DO WE PREPARE –DEB DOWNEY, KATHLEEN COMFORT SALAS, ALI STOOL AND
ZOE NORCROSS
Over the past 14 years, the Spaulding Rehab Network has enabled individuals of all abilities to lead an active, healthy lifestyles,
through participation in sports & recreation. Along with Spaulding therapists & adaptive sports professionals you will learn the history
of adaptive recreation & physical education. You will understand the benefits of adaptive recreation for overall well being &
participation in social activities. You will become familiar with current trends in adaptive sports/recreation. Not only will you gain an
understanding of basic adaptations for popular sports and activities, but you will participate in hands-on learning for various client
needs.
How Parks and Recreation Builds Community Through Leadership - FRAN M AINELLA
This session will focus on leadership and its importance for building or impacting a community. The 3C’s of leadership will be
shared from the perspective of the first woman to head the national park system in the USA and its importance for community
development or change.
2:30 – 3:40 PM
National Trends in Parks and Recreation — Fran Mainella
This session will focus on the current trends in society ,parks and recreation and the implications for all professionals and interested
citizens. Partnerships, accountability, health and the seamless systems of parks will be highlighted as well as other trends.
Protecting Yourself from a Playground Liability—Jeff Reed
Playground safety standards have been evolving in the United States since the 1970's. Many playground accidents result in
insurance claims and litigation. This session will discuss the types of serious accidents that frequently occur, how insurance
companies react, what actions lead to a trial and how loss can be minimized.
Disc Golf & The Benefits of Installation –Brian Giggey
Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and can be enjoyed immediately by all ages and skill levels. This seminar
will bring to light the benefits of a dis golf installation and how it can be implemented at your location. Disc golf can maximize
underutilized space, displace undesirable activity and appeal to seniors, families and youth.
MISFIT STRONG: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT/ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAMMING—KAREN KEIFER
In a world where everyone is trying to just fit in, the Misfit Strong Youth Empowerment/Anti-Bullying Program encourages individuals
to stand out, be MISFIT STRONG, and celebrate what makes them different and take a stand against bullying by wearing misfit
(mismatched) socks. The "misfit sock" represents the differences that live within each of us and symbolizes those who have been
labeled or marginalized for whatever reason. Learn creative approaches to using misfit socks to deliver unmatched results in the
practice of team-building, positive self-esteem, creativity, gratitude and respect, while serving as a catalyst for conversation and
action on importance of being different and respecting others.
4:55 - 6:00 PM
Sustainability for Turf and Outdoor Facilities — MARYOWEN
Turf: Green Side Up AND Down! Communities are challenged to manage their properties in ways that lead to sustainable systems.
This session will look at practices that lead to sustainability for lawn, park and athletic field turf and the facilities in which they occur.
Emphasis will be on environmentally responsible management plans that focus on selection of turfgrass species appropriate for the
site and use and that minimize requirements for irrigation, fertility, pesticides, and other inputs while achieving functional quality
required.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PARK CHAMPION? - KEVIN O’HARA
With dysfunction in Washington at an all-time high, now is the time to focus on park and recreation best advocacy assets: the
dedicated staff and the critical close to home park infrastructure critical to the economic, environmental, and human health of a
community. By becoming a park champion you’ll help educate elected officials at the federal, state, and local level on the real value
that parks provide in their communities, and why your agency needs partners at all levels of government to help maximize that
value.
Girl Power Intergenerational—Barbara-Anne Foley
This is an easy replicated program designed by Harwich Council on Aging Director, Barbara-Anne Foley, for Middle School Girls in
grades 5-8 and Adult Women Ages 60-80 for empowerment and mentoring. There are 4 Precepts to the program: Journal Writing &
Discussion, Healthy Snack Making with Recipes to go home, A Speaker/Program from the community i.e. a Sgt. from our Police
Dept. on Cyber Bullying/Internet Safety, or a mini Self Defense Course. And lastly FUN Exercises such as Badminton, Pickleball,
Kite Flying, etc. The program ends with a Pasta Supper for all of the participants and their families (the night before the road race)
with a Power Point of the Program and the participants receiving a gift bag with a photo book of their program and some free giveaways from local merchants or the dollar store like a pedometer so they can track their steps at school. The end of the school year
in June, ALL of the participants enter the Harwich 5K road Race walking in it or running in it together with our own shirts. A HUGELY
EMPOWERING PROGRAM FOR ALL INVOLVED.
WINNING COLLABORATIVE PARTENERSHIPS TO IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLNESS—CAROLYN MCKNIGHT
Session is designed to help park and recreation professionals recognize their role in improving the health of their community by
supplying information and strategies to engage community members. Partnerships with the medical community, success stories,
and additional facts will be discussed and prepare attendees to develop play prescriptions and measure the outcomes in their
community. Play possesses an untapped potential for improving the physical, social and emotional health problems including
obesity, diabetes, ADD?ADHD, toxic stress, and depression. Science proves play can improve health factors from cardiovascular
fitness to cognitive function. Play is a low-cost, high impact solution to health problems and working together we can improve the
health of our communities.
Thursday, March 12th
8:00 – 9:10 AM
Programming and Maintenance Working Together to deliver services and Safe Fields—Lexington DPW and Recreation
This session will identify the importance of both programs and maintenance. The need to communicate and have a coordinated
approach especially when programming and maintenance are different department in order to provide fulfilling and safe experience
for users.
Crossing the Silos – Active Living for Seniors at Senior Centers & Parks and Recreation—Kathi Bailey and Pat Armstrong
How communities will take on the challenges of the boomers shift to outdoor activities and the roles of Senior Centers and Parks &
Recreation. Complement vs. Compete.
Managing Your Recreation Business Through Cost Recovery—Lisa Paradis and Jesse Myott
Knowing the cost of doing business in your community is a powerful tool that can be used as a foundation for a non-profit business
model for your agency. Learn how the use of a financial strategy that includes cost recovery and fee analysis can bring your agency
to the next level and allow it to thrive in any economic climate
Inclusive Playground Design - Missy Benson and Ian Proud
This is a hands-on design workshop that will teach the basics of inclusion on playgrounds. Participants will be led through a
redesign of a local Massachusetts park. All materials will be supplied. Including photos of the site, trace paper, markers and site
plans.
9:15—11:00 AM
Awards Brunch
Annual Meeting
11:15—12:25 PM
Low Cost Diamond Renovations—Colin Drury
This session will reveal the process in renovating a baseball/softball diamond with a low budget. We will go over the correct
products, how to install, and what they will accomplish for your program.
WHO—What is the Age Friendly City/Community Work? -Kathi Bailey
Population aging and urbanization are two global trends that together comprise major forces shaping the 21st century. At the same
time as cities are growing, their share of residents aged 60 years and more is increasing. Older people are a resource for their
families, communities and economies in supportive and enabling living environments. WHO regards active aging as a lifelong
process shaped by several factors that, alone and acting together, favor health, participation and security in older adult life. Informed
by WHO’s approach to active aging, the purpose is to engage cities to become more age-friendly so as to tap the potential that older
people represent for humanity.
Measuring Program Performance: From Outputs to Outcomes—Peter Finn
Performance management, metrics, scorecards, report cards are all around us – and as funds get tighter and public expectations
grow, the demand for more of these will increase, as well. We all know that “what you count, counts” but the real measures that
matter are the outcomes of what we do, not just the outputs. But the outputs are so much easier to measure. Being able to get from
the output measures we have and the outcome measures we need is essential. Hear real examples of metrics in use by park and
recreation agencies (both good and the not so good), and discover the different types of measures and ways to derive them.
Fusion of Social Media into Parks and Recreation— Joshua Medeiros and Bryan Dumelin
The profession of Parks and Recreation has started to evolve into a business model in many ways. Marketing and connecting to the
customer has taken center stage for many departments. Successfully incorporating social media into your Parks and Recreation
Department will be essential to engaging your community, generating and retaining customers. This presentation will be the perfect
fusion of marketing/social media development and successful use and it’s implications on YOUR Parks and Recreation Department.
12:35—1:45 PM
Making Parks Relevant—Missy Benson and Ian Proud
Communities change continuously. If their parks and outdoor spaces do not change in parallel there will be mismatches between
societal needs and what we offer. We will review trends that affect outdoor spaces, Park & Recreation survey results and examples
of innovative outdoor spaces that respond to those trends.
3 Levels of Seniors—Do You Really Get Them? - Kathi Bailey and Pat Armstrong
Advances in and accessibility to health care has resulted in vital longevity for our aging population. Gone are the days of sedentary
activities once you hit 65. We are now being asked by the “Young Old” to provide quality of life activities and services outside the
traditional Senior Center model. Are you ready to meet this need? Come explore your perceptions about aging and prepare to
adjust your thinking and enthusiasm for active senior programming and partnerships. Explore ALPA and see how you can add the
“l” to compete to achieve “complete” and benefit your department
Strategic Financial Management: The 10 Ways to Close a Budget Gap— Peter Finn
Park and Recreation budgets are under increasing financial pressure. In order to “survive and thrive” agencies need new
approaches (and insights) to budgeting and financial management. This session will enable participants to understand and
strategically apply “the ten ways to close a budget gap” -- in a memorable way.
Inclusion Services in a Traditional Day Camp Setting— Brandon Fitts and Tim Davis
Summer is often seen as a relief from the business and stress of the school year. Though for many this may be true, for families
who have a child with a disability, it can be anything but relaxing. The lack of structure, routine, and support systems can make for a
hectic summer season...but does it have to? This session will explore the ways in which a Summer Day Camp program can be
adapted to include children of all abilities in everyday camp activities to create a successful summer experience for all. Please note,
the primary focus of this session will be on the inclusion of children with intellectual and behavioral disabilities rather than physical
disabilities in Summer Day Camp programs.