Mullally Inducted into Hall of Fame Sister Rivers

FOCUS
The Official Publication of the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association
Fall 2010
Mullally Inducted into Hall of Fame
Page 6
Sister Rivers
Page 16
President’s Message
First and foremost, on
behalf of NDRPA, I would
like to thank Ron Merritt
and all who served with
him this past year. Under
his leadership, we had
another great year of
growth within NDRPA.
Secondly, I would
like to thank all the
conference attendees
and exhibitors from
Dave Leker
around the Midwest who
NDRPA President
were able to come to
Fargo for our annual conference. We’ve seen a steady
increase in the number of delegates and exhibitors in
the last five years and anticipate a record number of
participants at the 2011 North Dakota/South Dakota
joint conference in Bismarck.
I encourage park and recreation professionals from
across the state to attend the conferences, quarterly
meetings and, ultimately, become involved with some of
the many NDRPA leadership committees. Once you sit
on a committee and participate in the quarterly meetings
taking place around the state, you’ll wonder why you
haven’t done it in the past. It’s a great time to network
with your peers and have a little fun while doing it. If
you know of someone in your district that might benefit
from attending one of our conferences, by all means
bring them along. No longer is NDRPA just about the
park and recreation professionals; it’s also about our
cultural activities, communications, business offices,
golf, sports fields and fitness professionals, along with
our park commissioners. Our goal for 2011 is to see all
departments within our districts involved in what our
association has to offer.
I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me and
look forward to the continued growth of our association
heading into 2011. Only your involvement can keep us
going strong!
Mission
Advancing parks and recreation for quality of life in
North Dakota.
Goals
1. Support parks and recreation districts,
agencies, providers, professionals and
volunteers in fulfilling their missions.
2. Promote the benefits and value of parks and
recreation (economic, social, cultural, quality of
life, etc.).
3. Maintain and enhance relationships with
colleges/universities and students to expand
the knowledge of those working in the field.
4. Maintain and enhance the public policy
advocacy program.
5. Maintain and strengthen the alliance with the
National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA).
6. Implement awards program to recognize
outstanding North Dakota parks and recreation
professionals, facilities and projects.
7. Develop partnerships, relationships or alliances
with other organizations to maximize available
resources to accomplish the mission.
Dec. 8-9
NDRPA Quarterly Meeting, Jamestown
Feb. 1
FOCUS Deadline
March 21-23 National Playground Safety Institute,
Bismarck
April 6-7
NDRPA Quarterly Meeting, Dickinson
April 17-19
Midwest Regional Conference,
Overland Park, Kan.
June 20-21
NDRPA Quarterly Meeting, Lake
Metigoshe State Park
Sept. 20-22 NDRPA/SDPRD Joint Conference,
Bismarck
For more details, visit NDRPA online at
www.ndrpa.com or call 701-355-4458.
3
Contents
President’s Message
Mark Your Calendar
NDRPA Quarterly Meeting
2010-2011 Leadership
Mullally Inducted into NDRPA Hall of Fame
NDRPA Awards Presented
NDPRD Update
Altru Partners with Grand Forks Park District
Commissioner’s Corner
NDRPA News
Park District News
NDRPA Annual Meeting Summary
Sister Rivers
The Wooden Way
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Advertisers
Ouellette Recreational Design
The Tessman Company
Recreation Supply Company
Turfwerks
Boom Concrete
Acme Electric Tool Crib Musco Lighting
Dakota Fence
Bobcat
Associated Supply Company, Inc.
North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund
Midwest Playscapes, Inc.
Bryan Rock Products, Inc.
Kadrmas Lee & Jackson
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Thank You to our FOCUS advertisers.
We appreciate your business!
FOCUS is the official newsletter of the North Dakota Recreation & Park Association
(NDRPA). It is distributed quarterly via mail to almost 500 parks and recreation
professionals and posted on the NDRPA website. Submission of articles and photographs
are encouraged in digital format to [email protected]. Photographs should be highresolution (300 dpi or greater). Submissions for cover photos are welcome and must be
portrait orientation (vertical). Advertising information is available online at www.ndrpa.com.
Next FOCUS deadline: Feb. 1, 2011
Cover photo: Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota Parks and
Recreation Department
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President Dave Leker
Fargo Park District
701 Main Ave., Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 701-241-1350 • Fax: 701-241-1471
[email protected]
Past President Tyler Jacobson
Valley City Parks and Recreation
PO Box 422, Valley City, ND 58072
Phone: 701-845-3294 • Fax: 701-845-2067
[email protected]
President Elect Brandy Chaffee
Grand Forks Park District
1210 7th Ave. S., Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: 701-746-2750 • Fax: 701-746-2753
[email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Beyer
Wahpeton Parks and Recreation
304 S. 5th St., Wahpeton, ND 58075
Phone: 701-642-2811 • Fax: 701-642-5053
[email protected]
Membership Chair Eric Kittelson
2004 Fairway St., Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: 701-456-2074 • Fax: 701-456-2073
[email protected]
Legislative Chair Ron Merritt
Minot Park District
PO Box 538, Minot, ND 58702
Phone: 701-857-4136 • Fax: 701-857-4769
[email protected]
Communications Chair Tammy Fogle
Fargo Park District
701 Main Ave., Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 701-241-1350 • Fax: 701-241-1471
[email protected]
Professional Development Chair Arik Spencer
ND Parks and Recreation Department
1600 E. Century Ave., Ste. 3, Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: 701-328-5357 • Fax: 701-328-5363
[email protected]
Awards Chair Darin Krueger
Williston Parks & Recreation
1002 W. 11th St., Williston, ND 58801
Phone: 701-577-5141 • Fax: 701-572-9328
[email protected]
Student Representative Craig Bjur
Fargo Park District
701 Main Ave., Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 701-241-1350 • Fax: 701-241-1471
[email protected]
Conference Chair RaNae Ball
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
400 E. Front Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: 701-222-6455 • Fax: 701-221-6838
[email protected]
Staff
Executive Director Dana Schaar
NDRPA
PO Box 1091, Bismarck, ND 58502-1091
Phone: 701-355-4458 • Fax: 701-223-4645
[email protected]
FOCUS Design & Editing
Robin Pursley, Nicolette Borlaug & Kylie Blanchard
Clearwater Communications
WEBSITE
www.ndrpa.com
NDRPA Quarterly Meeting
Dec. 8-9 • Jamestown
Wednesday, Dec. 8
3 PM
Self-Guided Tour of ND Sports Hall of
Fame, Jamestown Civic Center,
212 3rd Ave. NE
4 PM
Committee Meetings
• Revenue Task Force, 4-5 pm
• Communications/Membership Committee,
5-6 pm
6 PM
Dinner
7 PM
Legislative Issues Discussion
9 PM
Social
Thursday, Dec. 9
7 AM
Executive Committee Meeting
8:30 AM Business Meeting
RSVP Required by Nov. 30
701-355-4458 or [email protected]
2010-2011 Leadership
New members were elected to the NDRPA Board
of Directors at the September annual meeting in
Fargo. Board contact information, as well as a list of
committees, can be found at www.ndrpa.com.
Board of Directors
President Dave Leker
Fargo Park District
Past President Tyler Jacobson
Valley City Parks & Recreation
President Elect Brandy Chaffee
Grand Forks Park District
Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Beyer
Wahpeton Parks & Recreation
Membership Chair Eric Kittelson
Dickinson Parks & Recreation
Legislative Chair Ron Merritt
Minot Park District
Communications Chair Tammy Fogle
Fargo Park District
Professional Development Chair Arik Spencer
ND Parks & Recreation Department
Conference Chair RaNae Ball
Bismarck Parks & Recreation District
Awards Chair Darin Krueger
Williston Parks & Recreation
Student Representative Craig Bjur
Fargo Park District
Accommodations Available until Nov. 19
Gladstone Inn, 701-252-0700
Meeting Location
Gladstone Inn, 111 2nd St. NE
Business Meeting Tentative Agenda
610 39th St. N Fargo, ND 58102
Office: (701) 232-7238
Fax: (701) 232-7278
The Tessman Company has been serving parks
and recreation since 1950.
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes
Financial Report
Board, Committee and Staff Reports
Old Business
• Parks and Recreation Research Update
• NDRPA Marketing and Promotion
• Board Positions Discussion
New Business
• 2009-2010 Annual Report
• NPSI 2011
• Board Training Discussion
Adjourn
Athletic Field Marker
5
Mullally Inducted into NDRPA Hall of Fame
By Brandy Chaffee,
Grand Forks Park District
Stephen Mullally, Grand Forks Park
District superintendent of parks, was
named to the NDRPA Hall of Fame at
the NDRPA State Conference in Fargo
on Sept. 15. The Hall of Fame Award
honors individuals who have made
outstanding contributions to the parks
and recreation field in North Dakota
based on a reputable performance
attested to a personal record of
accomplishment.
The announcement of Mullally’s Hall
of Fame induction was preceded by
thoughtful and humorous comments
by Randy Bina of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation
District, Bill Palmiscno of the Grand Forks Park District
and Dick Leker, former director of the Grand Forks
Park District. To keep the award a surprise, he was also
joined unexpectedly by various family and friends during
the event.
Mullally is a graduate of the University of North
Dakota, a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional
and is a National Recreation and Park Association
Registered Professional of the American Recreation
Society. He has been employed by the Grand Forks Park
District since 1974 when he began as program coach.
He quickly transitioned into the superintendent of parks
position, which he had held throughout his 36-year
career.
Mullally has been a critical leader in the development
of many primary projects in Grand Forks, including
Center Court Fitness Club (formerly the Tennis Center);
Operation and Procedures Plan for the Grand Forks
Park District’s Maintenance Department and Facilities;
process and implementation of work related to the Core
of Engineers in creating the Greenway System and
rebuilding of Central Park, Lincoln Golf Course, Lincoln
Drive Park and Riverside Park following the 1997 flood;
establishment of King’s Walk Golf Course (opened in
2002); establishment of Ulland 16-Field Softball/Baseball
Complex; Grand Forks Park District lighting project;
development of the National Recreational Trail system
in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks; and creation of Ali’s
Boundless Playground (2009).
Mullally has been part of countless NDRPA board
committees and served at various levels of leadership
over the years including: FOCUS chair (1974-1975),
president (1976-77), board of directors (1990-1995) and
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student representative (2008-2009).
His contribution to the betterment
of NDRPA is substantial, as he is
one of the “veteran” members who
has worked to establish and solidify
the mission of the organization. His
efforts and continuous attention to
the importance of cross-pollinating
work and ideas from across the
state of North Dakota has led to the
enhancement and progression of the
association. Other NDRPA honors and
awards Stephen Mullally has received,
whether individual or organizational,
include Fellow Award 1997; National
Recreation Trail Award – United
States Deptartment of Interior – National Park Service;
Organization Citation 1997 – Grand Forks Park District
(Flood Relief & Revitalization); and Golden Egg Award
2001 – Grand Forks (Kings Walk Golf Course).
A complete listing of members of the NDRPA Hall of
Fame may be found online at www.ndrpa.com.
Recreation
Supply Company
NDRPA Awards Presented
NDRPA inducted one individual into the Hall of Fame and presented five awards during the 2010 Awards
Banquet at the NDRPA State Conference in Fargo on Sept. 15. Congratulations to the 2010 award winners and
remember, DON’T WAIT…NOMINATE!!!
Organization
Citation
Golden Egg Award
Darin Krueger,
Williston Community
Builders Playground
Project
David Vinchattle,
Tesoro Mandan
Refinery
Dr. Sandra
Modisett Memorial
Scholarship
Awards
Need to haul 5,000 lbs?
The Smithco Super Truck can do it!
Sara Callaway,
University of Mary
Rachel Buss,
University of North
Dakota (Not pictured)
Outstanding Young
Professional
Dr. Joe Deutsch,
North Dakota State
University
Rich Vining
Greg Bondy
Myron Sargisson
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NDPRD Update
ALL SNOWBLOWERS ARE FULLY ASSEMBLED AND SERVICED
NDPRD Seeks Grant Applicants
ND Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) is
seeking applications for the new Off-Highway Vehicle
Recreation (OHVR) grant program. Applications are
available on the NDPRD website and are due Dec. 1.
OHVR is an 80/20 matching grant program funded by
off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration fees. The program’s
purpose is to assist government entities and OHV riding
clubs and associations with construction, improvement or
renovation of OHV recreation facilities throughout North
Dakota. Examples of eligible projects include trail signage
and new development or renovation of OHV trails,
bridges, trailhead facilities and trail linkages.
The OHVR grant program also offers up to 100
percent funding for law enforcement agencies to assist
with enforcement of OHV riding areas and to promote
responsible OHV use. Examples of law enforcement
projects include signage, public awareness and safety
media, and overtime expenses for patrolling OHV areas.
For more information on the OHVR grant program,
visit the NDPRD’s website at www.parkrec.nd.gov/
recreation/grants/OHV.html or contact Jessica Riepl,
recreation grants coordinator, at 701-328-5357 or
[email protected].
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Grand Forks Approves Construction of Choice
Wellness Center
By Brandy Chaffee, Grand Forks Park District
The Grand Forks Park Board of Commissioners voted
Oct. 12 to officially approve to construction of the new
Choice Wellness Center. More than five years studying
feasibility, conducting comprehensive research, and
partner building and fundraising has finally allowed the
board enough solid information and funding to officially
give the “green light” to start construction. Choice
Wellness Center will be located off South Washington
Steet on a 42-acre plot of land, which was a donation to
the Grand Forks Park District.
“It has been a long and conscientious process by
volunteers, staff and partners; however the time and
effort was certainly worth our patience and diligence.
Our primary goal is to be sure we are able to provide
exceptional services, programs and facilities for the
betterment of community and regional health and
wellness. With that in mind, we needed to be absolutely
certain our funding was in place to support the project
before we moved forward with construction,” says Grand
Forks Park District Director John Staley.
The IMAGINE Campaign began in 2007 with a
grassroots group of citizens who joined together to raise
the funds needed to build a new health and wellness
center and renovate the existing YMCA Family Center.
The first major contribution came from Choice Financial,
who signed a $2.75 million naming sponsor agreement.
It was followed by many private citizens and businesses
who offered support through financial gifts and pledges,
including a $6.5 million investment by Altru Health
System.
“It is through the great vision and generosity of donors
and business sponsors that we are here today, approving
the construction of the Choice Wellness Center. Although
we are right where we need to be financially to begin
construction, we will continue to fundraise throughout
the construction phase of the project in order to meet the
accumulative needs of the new facility and the YMCA
renovation,” concludes Staley.
Through cash donations, leasing partners, existing
park district capital and betterment allocation (1 mill)
and several grants, the campaign has secured all but
approximately $700,000 needed for the Choice Wellness
Center. The overall project (including a 158,000 square
feet Choice Wellness Center and a significant renovation
to the YMCA Family Center) is projected to cost
approximately $27,000,000.
An official community groundbreaking event took
place Oct. 21. A recent construction timeline indicates
Choice Wellness Center could open for business as early
as August 2012.
Altru Partners with GF Park District to
Create Health and Wellness Campus
By DeAnn Hecht, Altru Health System
Altru Health System has taken another step in fulfilling
its mission by investing in a healthy community. By
way of the Grand Forks Park District and Grand Forks
YMCA Family Center, Altru is investing $6.5 million in the
community to help create a health and wellness campus
on the south end of Grand Forks, and revitalize the YMCA
in a way that best meets the community’s needs.
“Altru’s mission is to improve the health and enrich
the lives of those in the communities we serve. We
continually seek ways to be involved in and contribute
to activities and partnerships in our region,” says Dave
Molmen, Altru’s Chief Executive Officer. “Both the Grand
Forks Park District and YMCA have missions similar to
ours. We all know we can better serve the community by
working together.”
Altru is enhancing the development with a focus on
four components: children and adolescents, world-class
sports medicine program, improved access to primary
care, and prevention and genetic medicine.
“Thanks to the progressive vision of Altru and its
board of directors, this is not a step, but a vast leap
toward greater health and wellness for our community
and region. Altru’s gift along with our generous donors
and sponsors has given us all we need to complete this
project, in addition to our current million dollar public
campaign,” says John Staley, Grand Forks Park District
director. The result is a development where everyone is
welcome. Altru Wellness Village is where families and
individuals of all ages can come together, get involved
and get healthy.
“We are very proud to participate in bringing this
healthcare village to a reality for our community. It will
serve as a cornerstone in achieving a healthy community
through integrating medical services, prevention and
wellness,” shares Brad Wehe, Altru’s administrative
director of regional operations.
9
Commissioner’s Corner
Deb Schlecht says she is a “simple person,” and she
adds her reasons for running for the Beulah Park Board
were also simple. “Running for the park board was
something I thought about for a long time. I just wanted
to be on the board to make a difference, and I wanted to
help out,” she says.
Schlecht is currently in the third year of her first
term as a Beulah Park Board commissioner, and she
says her main goals include continuing to build on
the recreational opportunities in place in the growing
community. One of these goals is to keep the city’s
parks flourishing. “I want to keep our parks looking nice,
and I want to see that the parks are maintained,” she
says.
She highlights the current work the park board is
also doing to construct a skate park in the community.
“I would also like to see the skate park working for the
kids in town,” Schlecht notes. “It’s important kids have a
place to go and play.”
Taking advantage of the Beulah parks herself,
Schlecht says she is currently in the process of
learning a new sport. “I’m learning to play frisbee
golf because we now
have two courses in
the community, one at
Riverside Park and the
other at Beulah Bay,”
she says. Schlecht
also enjoys biking
and spending time
in the parks with her
grandchildren.
NDRPA is a valuable
resource for the
state’s park boards,
says Schlecht. “I do
appreciate receiving the FOCUS magazine. I feel it’s
important to know what is going on across North
Dakota.” She adds NDRPA also helps organizations
meet their goals and better their communities. And this
is exactly what Schlecht hopes the Beulah Park Board
can continue to do in her own community, one park at a
time.
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10
NDRPA News
2010 NDRPA Conference a Success
By Tammy Fogle, Fargo Park District
The 2010 NDRPA State Conference really was
“Overflowing with Opportunities” in Fargo. There were
205 attendees and a record 35 exhibitors.
A variety of excursions were
available for all attendees to kick off the
conference including a golf tournament,
wine tour and guided catfishing. The
evening consisted of an Opening Night
Social at Rheault Farm with great food,
games and conversation. Excitement
was high during the keynote speakers
on Wednesday presenting “20 Minutes in
the Life or Death of a Tree.” Educational
sessions included topics on therapeutic
recreation, health clubs, customer
service, programming, marketing,
legal and political issues, and several
others. The Exhibitor Hall was open for
attendees to learn about products and
services available for the parks and
recreation industry.
A silent auction was held again this
year to raise money for the NDRPA
student scholarship fund. We raised
$1,353 from the auction and $358 from
other fundraising efforts for a grand total
of $1,711. Thank you to everyone who
participated and helped raise money to
give back to NDRPA.
Comments from surveys were very
positive with most attendees enjoying
the wide array of activities on Tuesday
and more choices for sessions during the
conference.
Thank you to the 2010 NDRPA Conference Planning
Committee for a great conference and thank you to all
delegates and exhibitors for your participation. We hope
to see you at next year’s conference in Bismarck!
Hammerschlagen for scholarships at
the Opening Night Social.
11
Park District News
Fargo Tries Outdoor Fitness
Equipment
By Tammy Fogle,
Fargo Park District
The Fargo Park
District has been
testing outdoor fitness
equipment from
Dakota Fence along
one of its popular
recreation trails in
South Fargo. The six
pieces of equipment
allow residents to get
a full body workout
outside in a park
setting. They consist of
a squat press, cardio
stepper, chest/back press, pull-up/dip, assisted row/
push up and ab crunch/leg lift stations.
Positive feedback was given by residents who
utilized the equipment this past summer. Besides being
available for the general public, the equipment was also
used as part of fitness programs run by Courts Plus
Fitness Center. It is owned and operated by the Fargo
Park District and is located just two blocks from the park
with the outdoor equipment.
Dave Leker, Fargo Park District director of parks
says, “This equipment is just one way to help Fargo
residents be active and encourage healthy choices.”
Raging Rivers Voted
“Best of the Best”
By Reid Katzung, Raging Rivers Waterpark
Raging Rivers Outdoor Waterpark in Mandan was
recently voted the Bismarck Tribune Reader’s Choice
“Best of the Best” Best Swimming Pool in BismarckMandan for 2010. This is the second consecutive
award for
Raging Rivers,
as it was also
recognized for
this prestigious
award in 2009.
Coincidently,
Raging Rivers
has been owned
and managed
12
by the Mandan Park District the past two seasons. The
facility recently completed a busy 2010 season with over
61,000 visitors to the waterpark.
Raging Rivers Waterpark features two 66’ high
speed slides, two 45’ high inner tube slides and an 800’
lazy river with everything from calm, relaxing waters to
thrilling waves. An interactive family activity pool area
features geysers, water cannons and water slides for
the little ones. Concessions, bath house and rental
lockers are available. Indoor and outdoor areas are also
available for private gatherings. A challenging 18-hole
miniature golf course is also a part of the very active,
family-oriented facility.
Keep Raging Rivers Waterpark in your plans for 2011
group, special event and birthday party activities.
Conservation Award Presented to
Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo
By Becky Dewitz, Roosevelt Park Zoo
Roosevelt Park Zoo was recently selected as
the recipient of the 2010 Conservation Prize from
SaveNature.Org. SaveNature.Org commended the zoo
staff for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to
conservation that reached beyond the borders of the
zoo and linked the public with the wild.
Through a partnership with SaveNature.Org, the
zoo has provided an opportunity for visitors and
members to preserve biological processes important
to the survival of species and their threatened homes.
Visitors may choose to take part in the Adopt an Acre®
and Adopt a Reef® programs (information located in
the zoo’s Education Center). Patrons may also donate
change to SaveNature.Org in the Conservation Meter
located by the zoo’s carousel. To date, the organization
has established partnerships at 150 zoos and 2,700
schools, reaching more than 85 million children and
adults. SaveNature.Org has raised awareness and
more than $3.9 million for ecosystem protection to save
threatened and endangered habitat worldwide. For more
information, visit www.savenature.org.
Wellness Beyond the Gym
By Tammy Fogle, Fargo Park District
The health industry is switching its focus from fitness
to wellness. Fargo’s Courts Plus Fitness Center is
offering wellness coaching to assist members in thinking
about their health on a broader scope. Cathy Piatt,
wellness coordinator at Courts Plus Fitness Center, is
now offering resources through one-on-one coaching,
educational presentations and confidential Q&A boxes.
Wellness coaching is relatively new and is
being used around the country. It’s been found to
be successful because it gives clients one-on-one
attention. “The goal is to not just educate individuals
on the facts, but to more importantly give them the self
esteem needed to successfully continue their fitness/
wellness program on their own...hopefully for a lifetime,”
says Piatt.
A wellness coach offers clients personal attention,
knowledge, motivation and accountability as they try
to achieve their fitness, stress management, nutrition,
weight loss and health goals. Sessions are 30-45
minutes once a week and a series of at least 12 are
recommended in order to successfully meet personal
goals.
Piatt received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from
Montana State University and, after working as a critical
care nurse for 20 years, changed her healthcare focus
from treating disease to preventing it. She is an ACE
Certified Personal Trainer, group fitness instructor and
wellness coach.
Piatt spends time volunteering with many healthrelated organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area and is
very passionate about the importance of individual and
family health and wellness. She has run several half and
full marathons and enjoys cycling, golf and snow skiing.
Cathy has been a group exercise instructor at Courts
Plus for many years and also runs BOOTCAMP and
BEYOND.
Prairie Rose State Games a Success
By Paula Redmann,
Bismarck Parks & Recreation District
The 24th Prairie Rose State Games were held in
Bismarck-Mandan with great success on July 9-11.
The Opening Ceremony and Parade of Athletes at the
Bismarck Community Bowl on Friday evening kicked off
a weekend of fast and furious family activity.
There were a
total of 45 sports
at the Games.
New sports for
2010 included
three-on-three
hockey, dirt
jumping (think
of high-flying
skateboarding,
except on a bike),
and Playground In A Box. What’s that? Giant, foamy
tinker toy-type pieces that kids use to connect, build
and create, all in an unstructured setting.
There were 3,699 participants in the Games.
The community rallied around the Games with 240
volunteers and sports commissioners helping make it all
happen.
Come and play in Bismarck-Mandan next July
8-10 for the 25th anniversary of the Prairie Rose State
Games!
Men’s Class E/Rec National Softball
Tournament a Home Run
By Stephanie Kopseng and Tim Kuntz,
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
The Men’s Class E/Rec Northern Territory National
Softball Tournament was held in Bismarck on Sept.
2-5 at Clem Kelley Complex. Fifty-five teams from four
states (North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska)
made their way to Bismarck for the tournament. Players
from Des Moines, Iowa, took home the 2010 Men’s
Class E/Rec Championship.
The tournament’s opening ceremony took place
on Thursday with a few sprinkles, but the rain abruptly
stopped
as the first
games
began.
“The
weather
was
fantastic
and we
witnessed
some great
softball,”
said
Tim Kuntz, tournament director. Teams enjoyed the
Player’s Social on Thursday evening and an overall
well-organized event. “We had a very hard working,
dedicated committee that assisted us in rolling out the
red carpet for these teams,” said Kuntz.
This is one of two national tournaments Bismarck
was awarded at the 2009 American Softball Association
National Convention. Bismarck was awarded the Men’s
Class E/Rec championship on the third ballot after being
in a dead heat with Springfield, Mo. The first two votes
were 28-28, but Bismarck prevailed on the third, 29-27.
Bismarck will also host the 2011 Hooter’s Men’s Class C
Northern National Championship Sept. 1-4.
13
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NDRPA Annual Meeting Summary
Below are the highlights from the Sept. 16 annual
business meeting in Fargo.
• Approved minutes from the June 23, 2010, meeting
(Spencer, Krueger MSC).
• The cash on hand is $52,973.72. Approved the
financials (Beyer, Jacobson MSC).
• Schaar reported an increase in membership, including
nine new park district members.
• Chaffee said she is still in need of video and photos
for the NDRPA highlight video. She also requested
input on the draft logo.
• The Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental
Relations (ACIR) approved introduction of a bill to
raise the concession bid limit to $25,000 in gross
estimated sales, as well as a bill to clean up ND
Century Code language related to public improvement
bidding. The interim Energy Development and
Transition Committee is considering a bill on
energy conservation and efficiency standards for
public buildings. The ND Insurance Reserve Fund
(NDIRF) is considering an effort to introduce a bill to
protect recreational immunity based on recent court
decisions. Merritt asked the membership if NDRPA
should consider supporting legislation to allocate a
percentage of oil impact dollars to park districts, as
funds already go to schools, counties and cities.
• Larson reported an audit of last year’s financials was
completed, and all records were in order.
• Merritt reported the Revenue Task Force had met with
NDSU professors to discuss a potential economic
impact study, and work will continue on this effort.
• Schaar reported the April 2012 Midwest conference
hosted by Grand Forks will serve as NDRPA’s state
conference and encouraged everyone to show their
support by attending. She also stated Beyer has been
asked to consider hosting the fall 2012 meeting in lieu
of the conference, which would include the annual
awards banquet.
• Jacobson recommended one change to the bylaws to
reduce paperwork related to check signing (Jacobson,
Leker MSC).
• Approved the new 2010-2012 contract between
NDRPA and Clearwater Communications (Leker, Fogle
MSC).
• Leker reviewed the 2010-11 work plan, highlighting
activities such as the joint conference with South
Dakota, the continued effort to conduct an economic
impact study, and the exploration of opportunities
to offer board training. Beyer reviewed the 2010-11
budget. The 2010-11 work plan and budget were
approved as presented (Beyer, Larson MSC). Schaar
noted NDRPA’s membership dues will be increased by
the consumer price index (CPI) for 2011, per approved
policy, resulting in some unusual dues amounts.
• Jacobson suggested NDRPA consider electing board
members at-large instead of to specific positions,
except for the officers. He also suggested NDRPA
consider reducing the number of board members
or allowing a range of board members (i.e., 9-15
members). These ideas will be discussed over the
next year to determine if any bylaws changes should
be made in fall 2011.
• Approved slate of board members up for election
for 2010-2011 (Brandy Chaffee as President Elect;
Ron Merritt as Legislative Chair; Tammy Fogle as
Communications Chair; Darin Krueger as Awards
Chair; Eric Kittelson as Membership Chair; and Craig
Bjur as Student Representative (Gress, Spencer
MSC).
• Leker reported the winter meeting will be Dec. 8-9 in
Jamestown and the spring meeting will be April 6-7 in
Dickinson. Spencer reported the summer meeting will
be June 20-21 at Lake Metigoshe State Park.
• Leker presented the list of committee members but
also said there is room for additional members if
anyone is interested.
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15
Sister Rivers
By Wayne Beyer, Wahpeton Parks and Recreation
This past summer, the Fargo-Moorhead Riverkeepers,
Wahpeton Parks and Recreation and Chahinkapa Zoo
received a large grant from the American Association
of Museums to establish a “Sister Rivers” relationship
with the Dniester River in the former Soviet Union. Part
of the grant included travel to the countries of Moldova,
Transdniester and Ukraine.
It is a very humbling experience to witness more
simple lives where most cities need to spend any available
resources on infrastructure like roads and water. We did
not meet with other parks and recreation departments,
as they were non-existent. Our partnership organizations
included the Bendery Museum, a historic museum, and
Eco-Tiras, a nonprofit associated with the Dniester River.
Agriculture along the Dniester River Valley included
sunflowers, fruit orchards, barley and wheat in fertile soils
just like the Red River Valley. When gazing at the endless
horizon of golden wheat fields, it reminded me of North
Dakota.
Forestry is advanced, with trees along roads to prevent
erosion and serve as living snow fences and there are
many common tree species – honeylocust, cottonwood,
mountain ash, hackberry, oak and birch. Their long-served
attention to tree planting is admirable.
The youth at a river camp were very welcoming and
excited to greet Americans. There were excellent picture
dioramas of the Moldova visitation to the United States
(very cool). Children were extremely interested in American
wildlife and zoo animals. It was enjoyable to watch the
youth put on a talent show, where they displayed their
passion and love of various culture and recreation,
including singing, dancing, gymnastics, juggling and
acting.
Many facilities were renovated to host modern-day
needs. A monastery, for example, used to be quarters
for mentally ill people during the Communist regime. It
reminded me we are sometimes wasteful with public
facilities, electing to tear them down versus rebuilding
them for another purpose. One of our guides told me
America builds cheap, and who can argue when some
of our large facilities are used for a few decades (not
centuries), i.e. sports stadiums that need revenueproducing suites for sponsors.
Visiting the Bendery Museum was insightful. Russian
wildlife is similar to North Dakota with our like climates.
Wars were well documented, and they captured human
imagination by showing soldiers who died for their country.
A picture of a young soldier with a bullet hole in his head
was sobering. Viewing bullet holes in buildings reminded
me my perspective on warfare would be much different if
it was around my home. Our country is young when you
see artifacts several centuries old, including an oak canoe,
built just like a Native American canoe.
Recreation was remindful of days when there weren’t
numerous modern facilities and leisure was more
impromptu, simple. Soccer fields were the most popular,
16
and goals were usually home-made with steel or wood
posts.
There are many parks, monuments and museums
associated with World War II, showing the peoples’
immense pride in winning this war. It was a time when
Russia and the United States were strong allies. It was
remindful of our country, where like monuments and walls
adorn museums, cemeteries, government buildings and
courtyards.
A River Festival celebration in a small village was a
terrific cultural experience. Though not understanding the
language, to see singers of all ages dressed in native garb
was fascinating. We were told some of the songs were
about the Dniester River and intentionally sung for their
“Sister River” friends.
Seeing the Black Sea was memorable. In the United
States, we were able to visit the headwaters of both the
Mississippi and Red Rivers, so it was likewise a great
opportunity to see where the Dniester River flowed.
People enjoy the Dniester River and Black Sea like we
enjoy our waters for fishing, swimming, sun-bathing and
collecting sea shells. We took our shoes off and walked
barefoot in the Black Sea, just like some walked barefoot
at the Mississippi River headwaters in Itasca State Park.
Learning about a failed dam/irrigation project was
interesting. There were some similarities with the Garrison
Diversion project in North Dakota, when construction
plans and visions did not play out, and recreation became
a major end-product.
Touring the Chisinau Zoo reminded me of Chahinkapa
Zoo renovation in Wahpeton. The Chisinau Zoo was one
of the cleanest and greenest landscaped areas during
our visit, and “clean and green” was the theme of our
zoo when we started renovation in the early 1980s. Their
zoo director was very passionate and visualized exhibits,
interpretation and partnerships, much like we have done.
When I complimented him on his landscaping, he said
“nature is friendly for zoo animals.” It reminded me of
the Winnipeg Assiniboine zoo director who consulted us,
saying “to heck with the people, build the exhibitions for
the animals.”
The “Sister Rivers” partnership was a treasured time.
My professional involvement with art, history, parks,
recreation, wildlife, forestry, horticulture, zoo, conservation,
rivers, water management and tourism made every
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17
The Wooden Way
By Wayne Beyer & Book Excerpts
The Pyramid of Success, authored by John Wooden,
former UCLA basketball coaching legend, is a fantastic
book that applies the coaching standards of the “Wizard
from Westwood” to our every day lives.
Status doesn’t mean success. Be the best you
can be, not better than somebody else. People can be
satisfied they have given their best efforts. Understand
there is always somebody who does it better. Just be
yourself.
Your mind should always be working. When traveling,
be thinking about ways to do things better. When reading
books, envision how it can make you a better, more
fulfilling person. Strike out the negative thoughts. You
have the choice to think positively, and eventually it will
shape your personality.
Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful
planning. John Wooden and staff spent two hours
preparing for a two-hour practice. This was gratifying
to learn. In a busy parks and recreation profession,
each day starts with careful review of the previous day.
There is a template of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly
planning. Reflect at the start of each day, or the end of
the day, whatever you are comfortable with. This is a
recipe Wooden carefully followed. Confidence comes
from being prepared.
Listen if you want to be heard. Find the best way,
not your way. There are many ways to get things done.
A splattering of input by all staff can be invaluable, like a
tempting smorgasbord versus a single entrée.
Practice self-discipline and keep emotions under
control. Wooden disdained swearing by his players.
It is true when you curse, you have momentarily lost
control of the situation. It doesn’t have to be cursing,
either. Nowadays there are other sneaky words that start
with the same sound as the bad words and seem to be
acceptable. But really, it isn’t. Instead of careful thought,
you have reacted in a weak way. Self-control overcomes
temptation.
Observe constantly. Be eager to learn and improve.
There are many opportunities to educate yourself
– books, tours, talking to customers, even reading
applicable newspaper articles. Wooden acknowledged
he was learning in his 90s. You can even learn from
negative people; observe bad examples, understand how
you feel and be careful not to do the same thing or react
poorly, down to a level below your capabilities.
Be prepared and cover every little detail. It seems
little things really mean big things to people. We can
have the greatest parks and recreation facilities, but if
the bathroom is dirty, what do you think is remembered?
Remember the first name of the people who clean
your facilities. Diana (week days) and Glen (weekends)
18
cleaned our public facilities. They are much appreciated.
Even Wooden, the head coach, swept gym floors when
he started at UCLA. When we sweep a gym floor or pick
up garbage, we are trying to create as fine an experience
for our parks and recreation users as possible. Litter
in our parks is like leaving a piece of duct tape on a
Rembrandt painting; it detracts from the natural beauty
of nature’s palette.
Sacrifice personal interests for the welfare of
all. Public service professions give you a lifetime of
opportunities to create better lives for others. It causes
you to really appreciate all the fine teachers who have
made education their careers. One smiles when folks
comment on Fridays that it’s good to be at the end of the
work week. In the public recreation profession, there are
rarely off days. Going into the job, you understand you
work when people play.
Hard work is a gift to God or whatever faith we
practice. Become all you are capable of becoming.
Work to be half-full, not half-empty. In my journal,
each day I write down something good that happened
that day. There are plenty of professional goods that
typically happen, but when you prioritize, inevitably a
simple family event will usually be the highlight, maybe a
walk, perhaps a timely phone call or even taking the time
to have a meal together.
Highs can lead to lows. Don’t let emotions affect
thinking. Quiet enthusiasm gets results. You don’t need
to announce your excitement about your profession. It
can be showed likewise by your dedication, hard work
and consistency, always being there. Be loyal to your
work and life. Be superb with class. Always respect your
profession.
Gentleness is better than harshness to get
cooperation. Your word is a core value. Truth will always
stand the heat of scrutiny. Be determined and persistent.
Concentrate on the fundamentals of your profession.
Don’t be afraid of calculated risks. Worthwhile
accomplishments take time. We are proud there is a
recreation program like Special Olympics for people
who have intellectual disabilities, a mentoring program
like the Kinship Program for children who need special
role models, a renovated zoo that has achieved national
accreditation and attracts thousands of visitors, outdoor
programs like the youth hunts that immerse children in
our fantastic North Dakota prairie potholes, and Red
River development that capitalizes on a terrific local
natural resource. They’ve all taken considerable time.
Use time wisely. Becoming skillful takes time and
hard work. Those who serve others are rewarded many
times over. The best leaders display a servant’s attitude.
Display true consideration for others. Do what’s right, no
matter the cost. Be honest at all times with thoughts and
actions.
Leave it all out, in every endeavor. You can have
peace of mind, knowing your best has been done. Be
reflective, spiritual and humble.
19
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