colorado parks & recreation byline

COLORADOCOLORADOCOLORADO

Fosters Economic Vitality

Lafayette Parks and Recreation

Economic Benefi ts

of Denver’s Park and Recreation

System

Denver Broncos Host Punt, Pass

and Kick Team Championship

WINTER 2014

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Economic Benefi ts


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of Denver’s Park of Denver’s Park of Denver’s Park and Recreation and Recreation and Recreation

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Lafayette Parks and RecreationFosters Economic VitalityFosters Economic VitalityFosters Economic VitalityFosters Economic Vitality

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Denver Denver Denver Broncos Host Broncos Host Broncos Host Punt, Pass Punt, Pass Punt, Pass

and Kick Team and Kick Team and Kick Team ChampionshipChampionshipChampionship



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Thank you to our advertisers for your help in supporting COLORADO BYLINE magazine. We kindly ask members to please support our advertisers. Interested in advertising? Contact Todd Pernsteiner at 877-694-1999 [email protected].

TABLE OF CONTENTS GOCO Funding Saves Valuable Outdoor Recreation Amenities from Closure ....................................................................................... 4

President’s Letter ............................................................................... 5

Member Spotlight .............................................................................. 6

Lafayette Parks & Recreation Fosters Economic Vitality ............... 8

Paying a Salary to a Non-Exempt Employee: Is it Permissible under the FLSA? ............................................................................... 10

The Economic Benefi ts of Denver’s Park & Recreation System ...12

Economic Vitality by the Numbers ..................................................14

Denver Bronco’s Host Punt, Pass and Kick Team Championship .........................................................................16

Calendar of Events ........................................................................... 18

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

P.O. Box 1037 • Wheat Ridge, CO 80034(p) 303-231-0943 (f) 303-237-9750www.cpra-web.org, [email protected]

Winter 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 3

PRESIDENT: Rod TarulloCity of Golden(303) [email protected]

PRESIDENT ELECT: Carolyn PetersHighlands Ranch Metro District(720) [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT:Patrick HammerTown of Superior(303) [email protected]

TREASURER: Amanda PetersonCity of Northglenn(303) [email protected]

SECRETARY: Mike SextonCity of Pueblo Parks & Recreation(719) [email protected]

AQUATICS: Heather DealCity of Longmont(303) [email protected]

CARA:Jayna LangCity of Lakewood Department of Community Resources(303) [email protected]

CASC: Kate FisherCity of Northglenn(303) 450-8841kfi [email protected]

CTRS:Aspen DeFieldDenver Parks & Recreation(720) 865-0823aspen.defi [email protected]

DIRECTORS:Carrie WardHighlands Ranch Metro District(720) [email protected]

FACILITY MANAGERS:Sean Von RoennCity of Lafayette(303) 665-0469seanv@cityofl afayette.com

FITNESS: Susan M. AndersonCity of Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation(303) [email protected]

PARKS: Jim HaselgrenCity of Lakewood(720) [email protected]

SMALL COMMUNITIES:Josh Miller City of Fort Morgan(970) [email protected]

WESTERN SLOPE:John VolkCity of Fruita (970) [email protected]

CPRA VISIONThe Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

CPRA FOUNDATION MISSIONThe CPRA Foundation works cooperatively with CPRA to fund activities and programs that promote excellence in parks and recreation in the State of Colorado.

COLORADOPARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION Byline

Note from the EditorWelcome to 2014!

We all know we are vital to a healthy, livable community. But have you really stopped to think about – and understand – how parks and recreation truly fosters economic vitality as well? This Byline issue is full of resources, data and examples of how YOU make a difference in the economics of your community and our entire state.

Thank you for all you do! Jo Burns

4 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org

Just imagine life in your community if longstanding recreation amenities suddenly closed and disappeared. That was the nightmare scenario three communities faced when they applied last fall for grants from Great Outdoors Colorado, which awards a portion of Colorado Lottery revenues for parks, trails, open space and other outdoor recreation and wildlife projects.

GOCO’s fall 2013 local government grant cycle was extremely competi-tive: GOCO received 72 local govern-ment grant applications requesting a total of $12.1 million, an amount that exceeded available funds by a more than 4 to 1 ratio. But when the GOCO Board awarded $2.8 million to 18 local government projects across Colorado, those three communities made the cut.

All three projects were at risk of clo-sure because of safety issues associ-ated with deterioration.

Ouray County received $350,000 in GOCO funding to replace their 70-year-old grandstands at the county fairgrounds in Ridgway. The county’s insurance provider and contract engi-neer both recommended the cracked

and crumbling grandstands be demol-ished due to hazardous structural dam-age. Attracting thousands of people each year for events and programming like rodeos, animal training clinics and concerts, the fairgrounds are a major resource for the county. The GOCO funding enables the county to replace the existing grandstands with new, covered, stadium-style stands that seat 1,500 and are ADA-accessible.

The GOCO Board awarded $109,500 to the town of Kremmling for improve-ments to the town ice rink, which was falling apart. The rink’s wooden baseboards were rotting and unable to hold the safety plexiglass designed to protect hockey fans, scorers and players from fl ying pucks and other objects. Thanks to GOCO funding, the town will be able to replace the rink’s deteriorating elements with durable, longer-lasting materials including polyethylene boards, tempered glass and galvanized metal that ensure the upgrades’ longevity and the safety of anyone at the rink.

Fowler residents were at risk of losing their municipal swimming pool, origi-nally built in the 1930s, because it was

no longer compliant with Colorado’s health code. A GOCO grant of $17,771 will allow the town to install a new fi ltration system, pump and sump for the pool’s drain, and updated piping to accommodate increased water fl ow. The upgrades will enable to the pool to remain open to the public.

For more information about GOCO’s impact on communities statewide, upcoming grant opportunities, and for a complete list of 2013 grant awards, visit goco.org. If you are thinking about applying for a GOCO grant, contact staff for assistance.

Great Outdoors Colorado invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help pre-serve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts, and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created by voters in 1992, GOCO has funded more than 3,500 projects in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. The grants are funded by GOCO’s share of Colorado Lottery rev-enues, which are divided between GOCO, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Conserva-tion Trust Fund and school construction.

GOCO Funding Saves Valuable Outdoor Recreation Amenities From Closure

Sometimes life should be a walk in the park. Or a swim in the pool. Or a day at the county fair.


I relate the passage of time as being similar to reading a good book. With each New Year comes a new chapter. As one chapter closes, it is fun to reflect on what has happened and anticipate what twists and turns may await in the new chapters that lie ahead. All the chapters of the book eventually tie together to create the overall story or journey. This analogy could apply to personal, professional, and other aspects of life for each of us.

For CPRA, 2013 was a fantastic year! This chapter in CPRA history included many opportunities to participate in professional training, networking, and service. These included events like “ASPiRE” on the Front Range and Western Slope, collaboration with Get Outdoors Colorado, and work within the Advocacy Council.

Looking ahead to 2014, CPRA’s next chapter will include continuation of 2013 opportunities plus further development of areas that will enhance the association’s ability to stay relevant and sustainable.

The Vision Plan for the association will continue to play a large part with further focus on implementation. Task force committees have been formed with Board and Advisory Council Members in the areas of Branding and Communications, Membership, Financial Sustainability, and Professional Development.

The consolidation of the Foundation and Association will be another highlight in 2014. This structural change has the potential to save significant money and improve overall operations of both groups over the coming years.

Other highlights of the 2014 chapter will include an improved website, Section presentations at Board meetings, and further expansion of Association leadership touring and visiting communities throughout the state. There are also a couple special interest groups looking at potentially creating new sections within the Association. We can expect a continuation of many opportunities for training and networking through conferences and gatherings like the Parks Workshop & Tradeshow on Thursday, March 6, 2014 in Greeley.

Speaking of conferences, I received many compliments on the

speech I gave at Fall Conference in Vail. Many in fact described it as the best speech they had ever heard me give. For those that were not in attendance, the reason for the accolades was because I said only three sentences and closed the meeting. With that in mind, I have rambled too much. Let me close by encouraging each of you to enjoy this edition of the Byline, and this next chapter of CPRA.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

By CPRA Board President, Rod Tarullo, CPRE

Looking Ahead to 2014

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Member Spotlight

CARA Member Spotlight Stacie Bandy, City of Lakewood

Stacie has been involved in Recreation since the age of 15 when she started out as a youth volleyball official and lifeguard. Throughout her teenage years she continued to work in the field in various roles and programs and found her passion in Recreation. Stacie graduated from Metro State with a

degree in Recreation Management and a minor in Marketing.

Since she had worked in recreation since the age of fifteen, Stacie was not willing to take on any regular internship to finish her college degree. In 2011 Stacie took a seasonal Recreation Coordinator position with the City of Edgewater for her internship. During her time there she oversaw the adult softball leagues, youth leagues, fitness classes, dance classes and senior programs. Stacie also ran many of the free CARA Local Events (Rockies Skills Challenge, Nuggets Skills Challenge, etc.) for Edgewater and also assisted at the Sectional and State Events.

Stacie started working in her current position for the City of Lakewood in February of 2012 and was hired full-time as the Youth Programmer in July of 2012. Planning and coordinating a wide variety of youth sports leagues, classes and camps Stacie has plenty to keep her busy. Along with programming a variety of youth programs for the City of Lakewood she continues to run the CARA events at the local level and help with sectional and state competitions. Stacie has also worked closely with the CARA Cross Country Committee in the last two seasons to help that program continue to grow.

In her free time Stacie enjoys supporting her favorite Denver sports teams, the Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos and even the Colorado Rockies. Stacie also has a competitive spirit, and is willing to turn almost anything into a “friendly” competition. Growing up as a country kid in Northern Colorado (Kersey), Stacie goes home any chance she gets to spend time with family and her six younger siblings.

Stacie has been an active CPRA and CARA member since July of 2012. Attending meetings, workshops and conferences as well as networking with other professionals is one part of her job that she enjoys most. Stacie is the incoming Chair-Elect for the CARA Board, and looks forward to that role and working with the CARA section to help continue its growth and development.

Fitness Member Spotlight Hillary Roemersberger, Town of Parker

Hillary Roemersberger is the Fitness/Wellness Coordinator for the Town of Parker, a position she has held for the past six years. Within this role, she oversees all Personal Training, Group Fitness, Yoga and Pilates staff. She also is responsible for all fee-based specialty fitness classes and several signature events including a 5K/10K race series,

an annual Senior Stroll, a Kids TRY-athlon and a Family Fun Fest. In addition, she serves on the Employee Wellness Committee for all employees of the Town of Parker.

Hillary earned her undergraduate degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University. She actually started her degree working as an Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac Rehab, but after a few years decided she wanted a change and began her career in Parks and Recreation. Since working with the Town of Parker, she has earned her Master’s degree from the University of Illinois in Recreation Sport and Tourism and has also completed her CPRP.

Hillary has been a member of CPRA for six years and became more active within the section in 2009. She has served on the Fitness Section Board as Secretary/Treasurer in 2010 and 2011, was the Chair Elect in 2012 and served as Fitness Section Chair in 2013. She has also been an integral part of the Fitness in the Rockies sub-committee for the past two years.

While she recognizes that a CPRA membership holds numerous benefits, Hillary considers the networking opportunities available to be the most important. She enjoys being able to share ideas and what is/isn’t working within everyone’s respective organizations. She loves that as recreation professionals we do not compete with one another; rather it’s encouraged to share ideas and collaborate. “I value the relationships I’ve made” Hillary says of the CPRA Fitness Section and the organization as a whole.

Hillary is this years’ recipient of both the Fitness Professional of the Year award as well as the Outstanding New Professional award for all her hard work and innovation within CPRA and for the Town of Parker. Congratulations Hillary!

Outside of her job responsibilities, Hillary loves spending time with friends and family including her husband Eric and 2 year old son, Ian. Hillary is also an avid runner and tries to participate in at least one race a month (if not more).



Member Spotlight

CTRS Member SpotlightRebecca Blomberg, CTRS Continuum of Colorado

Rebecca Blomberg has been in the Therapeutic Recreation field for a little over one year now. She originally went to school for teaching, but while working with students who have disabilities she soon realized where her interests were. That was when she started her research to find the right career path.

While visiting a friend who worked at the VA Hospital, Rebecca decided to research Recreation Therapy. Enjoying what she heard about the field, she chose to give it a try at Metropolitan State College in Denver. After completing her first semester, she knew Therapeutic Recreation was the right choice for her. She went on to complete her internship at Camp Kostopulos in Salt Lake City, Utah and then returned home to Colorado to start utilizing her degree. Hiking, camping and being outdoors in the spring and summer are some of Rebecca’s favorite things to do in Colorado. She has lived here since elementary school which she considers to be “basically forever!” She loves to call Colorado home.

A little over a year ago, Rebecca started her job with Continuum of Colorado in Aurora. She works in the Special Programs department assisting with the planning and implementing of adaptive recreational programs such as Special Olympics Sports, Life Skills Classes, Workouts, Events and much more. She is also the treasurer on the CTRS Board.

The thing Rebecca likes most about her job with Continuum of Colorado is that she gets to “have creative freedom to develop programs”. She also mentions that she enjoys being part of a company that will find ways to adapt and be flexible with the people who they serve. Continuum of Colorado is working closely with other non-profit organizations and foundations to reach out to those who are not receiving any services due to lack of funding or lack of awareness. “We used to only serve adults who had funding through waivers. Now, we are creating more and more new programs to accommodate children, teens, and young adults who are on a long waitlist for services. It is great to be able to offer affordable programming to these families and be part of this positive change in the company.”

CASC Member SpotlightMaripat Gallas Consortium for Older Adult Wellness

Maripat embarked on her “Senior” career in 1989 when she accepted the position of Program Coordinator for the City of Boulder Senior Services. After a year and a half of relentless activities that reached out to so many in the Boulder community, she headed with her family to the Western Slope, where she worked in a hospital

setting. Upon return to the metro area, she worked in the senior housing sector. After her stint with the senior housing profession, Maripat joined the staff at the Aurora Senior Center (now known as the Aurora Center for Active Adults) from 2001 to 2006. She worked as a Recreation Assistant and soon became a Recreation Specialist. During her time at the Center she made several significant contributions. She was an excellent programmer and was very effective at analysis of program trends. Maripat designed the PREP - Post Rehabilitation Exercise Program for stroke survivors. This model program was recognized by CASC and was shared at the national level by NCOA. Maripat coordinated several dynamic special events including, an annual art show, month long cultural celebrations, Jazz Up Your January and a Mid Summers Night Out to name a few.

In 2006, Maripat accepted a position as a Recreation Supervisor with the City of Commerce City, where she continued to lend her programming talents to large scale community events such as the neighborhood outreaches while continuing to oversee older adult activities and the fitness program. She continued to stay involved in programming for older adults as she revamped the advisory committee structure, and offered a VIP program for frequent program participants.

Most recently, Maripat began working with COAW (Consortium for Older Adult Wellness), a non-profit in Lakewood. Maripat continues to reinvent herself utilizing all of her skills, from a TR, to Coordinator to Supervisor to event planner to COAW trainer. Maripat served the CASC board in numerous volunteer positions in addition to a three year term as the CASC section representative to the CPRA board. Maripat is a great team member who can make work fun, a great skill in the recreation profession! No matter her professional responsibilities, Maripat understands all of the aspects of what we do, why we do it, and the important roles we play in our respective communities.


As stewards of all things green within the City, Lafayette’s Parks, Open Space and Golf Department (POG) is tasked with beautification responsibilities. Their comprehensive

responsibilities contribute to a much broader picture within the municipality impacting property values, instilling community pride, and encouraging active lifestyles. In 2012 74% of resi-dents surveyed ranked Lafayette’s park maintenance practices as “very important” to their household, which led to another response indicating 90% of households feel Lafayette’s park maintenance is meeting their needs. “We aspire to reach out as much as possible to our residents to gather input,” explains Monte Stevenson POG Director. “The Thomas Open Space Organic Farm and Market is a prime example of the benefit of listening to the community. A citizen grassroots effort led to an agricultural lease and opened up a wealth of opportunities. We’re now involved in supporting organic farming as well as retail activities.”

Always working towards improving best practices and efficien-cies, in 2010 the POG department initiated a successful “Junior Ranger” program which allowed for the seasonal hiring of 14-17 year olds to assist with essential, but general duties allowing veteran staff to concentrate on more technical responsibilities throughout the summer. At the Bob L. Burger Recreation Cen-ter, both the indoor and outdoor facilities have offered posi-tions for youth as lifeguards, cashiers, camp leaders, referees, sports instructors, and customer service representatives. These programs have proven to be extremely valuable as a first time job training opportunity for our community youth, provided substantial cost savings, and offered improved efficiencies for both departments.

The Recreation Rewards Program, launched in 2008 by the Lafayette Recreation Department, offers Recreation Center

Passholder discounts at participating Lafayette retail stores, dining establishments and service companies. These partici-pating businesses offer percentages off, a special gift, or free products when a Passholder shows the proprietor their Card. The Recreation Rewards program supports shopping locally and the local retail tax base while providing a value-added ben-efit to patrons. “We strive to partner with our local businesses as much as possible in Lafayette,” said Curt Cheesman Director of Recreation and Facility Management. “Promoting our busi-nesses and keeping tax dollars in town is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Debbie Wilmot, Public Information Officer, City of Lafayette




About the City of Lafayette: Lafayette’s population of 25,000 is privileged to possess 1,300 acres of open space, 20 miles of trails, 19 parks, 2 cemeteries, 2 community gardens, a dog park, an award winning golf course, and an open space organic farm – along with numerous streetscapes and public green-ways throughout the City. This year Lafayette’s POG and Recreation Departments earned NRPA’s prestigious CAPRA Accreditation to become one of 4 ac-credited agencies in the state of Colorado, ensuring the departments maintain their current level of quality and continue improvements well into the future. Lafayette also was the recipient of the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Gold Medal award in 2002 and were one of four national finalists in 2011 and 2012. These honors recognize the City’s excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and ability to address community needs.


Department of Labor auditors and employment law attorneys are likely the only group of individuals who care about making sure that the terms ‘hourly vs. salary’ and ‘non-exempt vs. exempt’ are not used interchangeably when discussing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); however, it is crucial that employers also appreciate the differences between these terms. Under the FLSA, exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay and non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime. The manner in which an employee is paid (hourly vs. salary) is only one piece of the puzzle in determining whether an individual is appropriately classifi ed as exempt or non-exempt. In general, an employee cannot be classifi ed as exempt unless he/she is paid a salary. But this does not mean that anyone paid a salary is an exempt employee under the FLSA. Despite popular belief, the manner in which an employee is paid is not what dictates whether an employee is exempt or non-exempt. Indeed, the FLSA allows employers to pay a non-exempt employee a salary--yes a salary!

This article provides an overview of how an employer can pay a non-exempt employee a salary under the FLSA, which can lead to cost savings for the employer and stability and satisfaction for the employee.

An employer may pay a salary to a non-exempt employee; however, it still must pay that non-exempt employee overtime. The mere fact that a non-exempt employee receives a salary does not enable the employer to disregard the hours worked by that individual. Even with payment of a salary, an employer must calculate any overtime owed to a non-exempt employee for any given workweek.

There are different ways in which an employer can pay a non-exempt employee a salary. An employer can either pay a: 1) fi xed salary for an agreed upon number of hours worked in a week; or 2) a fi xed salary for an amount of hours that fl uctuates from workweek to workweek (which is called a “fl uctuating” workweek in the federal regulations). The key to both, and to all methods of

payment that may be made to a non-exempt employee, is that the employee is entitled to overtime for hours actually worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek. The difference is how that overtime is calculated.

Fixed Salary for Agreed Upon Number of HoursIf the employer chooses to pay a non-exempt employee a fi xed salary for an agreed upon number of hours worked in a week, there must be a clear mutual understanding between the employer and the employee that a fi xed salary was intended to cover a specifi c number of hours per week. Although the Department of Labor and federal regulations do not necessarily require that this agreement be in writing, it is best practice to do so.

Once the employer and employee have agreed upon the number of hours the salary is meant to cover, then the employer must still track hours and pay overtime. Specifi cally, a non-exempt employee who is paid a salary based upon an agreed upon number of hours

Michelle B. Ferguson, Esq., Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC

Paying a Salary to a

Non-Exempt Employee:

Is It Permissible Under the FLSA?

1

2


per week must be paid one and one-half times his/her regular hourly rate of pay for each hour worked in excess of 40 hours in the workweek.

Consider this example:Sunnyside and Pam agree that Pam’s weekly salary is $500 and that she is expected to work 40 hours per week. Using this salary, we can determine that Pam’s regular rate of pay is $12.50 (500/40=12.50). Determining the rate of pay is key to calculating overtime owed to the non-exempt employee, even in light of the agreed upon salary. If Pam works 50 hours in a particular workweek, then the employer would be required to pay her overtime for the additional 10 hours of work. To calculate overtime, the employer would take the rate of pay ($12.50), multiply that by 1.5, which equals $18.75. This is the employee’s overtime rate. The employer is required to pay this rate for all 10 overtime hours. At the end of the workweek, the employee will have earned $187.50 for overtime (in addition to the $400 weekly salary).

The agreed upon number of hours may be less than 40 hours. In such circumstances, an employer only owes the employee overtime when hours worked actually exceeds 40. Further, if the employee works less than the agreed upon number of hours, the employer is not required to compensate the employee for those hours not worked. However, in such a circumstance where the employer may want to reduce the pay, it must be careful to calculate the wages owed, which requires the employer to calculate the regular rate of pay by taking the weekly salary and dividing that amount by the hours actually worked (not the agreed upon hours) and coming up with a regular rate of pay. The employer then takes that regular rate of pay, multiply it by the hours actually worked, and determine the wages owed.

Simply put, paying a non-exempt employee a salary still requires an employer to conduct the necessary calculations to determine overtime owed for hours worked in a workweek. So while salaries are allowable under the FLSA for non-exempt employees, there may be little advantage to such a

method, unless of course an employee works a regular schedule and rarely work overtime.

Fluctuating Number of Hours per Work WeekAn employer also may pay a non-exempt employee a salary for a fl uctuating number of hours per workweek. Like the above example, a clear understanding between the employer and employee is necessary. It must be clear that the fi xed salary is intended to cover a workweek regardless of the number of hours actually worked (not including overtime owed discussed below). While not required, we recommend that the agreement be memorialized in writing.

Typically, this method is reserved for employees who do not customarily work a regular schedule. The fl uctuating workweek method of overtime payment may not be used unless the salary is suffi ciently large to ensure that no workweek will be worked in which the employee’s average hourly earnings from the salary fall below the minimum hourly wage required under the FLSA or state law.

Using this method, the regular rate of pay used to calculate overtime will likely change each week because the hours are expected to fl uctuate each week; however, only in those weeks when an employee actually works more than 40 hours is any further calculation necessary, and payment of only one-half the regular rate is owed for overtime hours.

Like in the example above, to calculate overtime, the employer must fi rst determine the regular rate of pay. The regular rate of pay is calculated by dividing the agreed upon salary by the actual number of hours worked in a workweek. For the hours worked within one workweek in excess of 40, the employer must pay one-half the regular rate for those hours. Payment for one-half of the employee’s regular rate, in addition to the salary, satisfi es the overtime pay requirement because the employee is deemed to have received her regular rate of pay as part of her fi xed salary.

A key difference between these two methods is that an employer may not pay less than the agreed upon salary

for those weeks in which the employee works less than 40 hours. In essence, in exchange for the ability to pay one-half the regular rate of pay as the overtime rate, the employer must agree to pay the full salary each week even if the employee does not work 40 hours in any given week.

Consider this example:The Recreation Center and John entered into a written agreement stipulating that he would be paid $400 per week (in addition to overtime) regardless of the hours worked. He works 50 hours in one week. Recreation Center would owe John $400, plus overtime for the additional 10 hours. To calculate the additional payment owed, take $400 divided by 50, which provides a regular rate of pay of $8 per hour (which is acceptable since it is above minimum wage). One-half of 8 is 4; 4 times 10 equals 40. Recreation Center owes John an additional $40 for overtime in that week.

As you can see, this method of overtime payment can result in savings for the employer; however, it does require additional calculations each week where the employee works in excess of 40 hours a week.

In sum, an employer may pay a non-exempt employee a salary, but this does not relieve the employer’s obligation to pay the employee overtime for hours actually worked beyond 40 hours in a week, and there are two alternatives to the manner in which overtime is calculated when doing so.

Michelle B. Ferguson, an employment lawyer at Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC, focuses on “preventative employment law.” Michelle works with private and public employers to be proactive in identifying and solving issues before an employment claim is fi led. She also provides training to employ-ers and their employees on all matters of employment law. Questions?

Michelle can be reached at (303) 628-3658 or [email protected].

This article is intended as general discussion and information on the topic covered, and is not to be construed as rendering legal advice. If legal advice is needed, you should consult an attorney.

This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the author.


With more than 6,200 acres of parkland, 29 recreation centers, 309 athletic fi elds,

great streamside trails and myriad other amenities spread across town, Denver’s park and recreation system is a signifi cant reason to live in or visit the Mile-High City. From the historic parks and parkways laid out by planner George Kessler and supported by legendary Mayor Robert Speer to the “City Beautiful” designs laid out for Civic Center Park by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., to the recent additions of the South Platte River Greenway, Commons Park and the green spaces of Stapleton, this enduring legacy has great economic value.

Even when it was originally created, Denver’s park system was thought of partly as an economic development tool to help put the city on the map. Yet the actual economic value of this asset has never been measured, and now this study provides it. Knowing this number can help planners and policymakers recognize the role of parks not just in buzzwords such as “quality of life” and “livability”

but in terms of the real economic development of the city, informing the legacy of and prospect for future investments and budgetary decisions.

Seven major factors are enumerated in this study: property value, tourism, direct use, health, community cohesion, clean air and clean water. While the science of city park economics is in its infancy, the numbers reported here have been carefully tabulated, considered and analyzed for the most recent year available at the time of this study. The valuation includes Denver’s entire park and recreation system—its trails, natural areas, neighborhood and community parks, and parkways. The study does not include every aspect of a park system with potential value—for instance, the dollar value of the mental health benefi t of a walk in the woods has not yet been documented and is not counted here.

Two of the factors provide Denver with direct income to the city’s treasury. The fi rst factor is increased property tax from the increase in value of certain

residences because of their proximity to parks. This came to nearly $4.1 million. The second consists of sales tax receipts from tourism spending by out-of-towners who came to Denver primarily because of its parks. This value came to over $3 million for the city of Denver, with additional value not counted going to the state of Colorado and the Regional Transportation District.

Beyond the tax money, these factors also bolstered the collective wealth of Denverites—by $30.7 million in total property value and by $18 million in net income from tourist spending.

A telephone survey on park use of 600 randomly selected city residents revealed two other factors that provided Denver residents with direct savings. By far the largest savings is from the value of using the city’s parks, recreation centers and trails as public resources instead of having to purchase these items in the marketplace. This value came to $452 million. Second is the health benefi t—savings in medical costs—from the benefi cial aspects

OF DENVER’S PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM

BENEFITSECONOMIC THE

2010


SUMMARY TABLE. THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL VALUE OF THE DENVER PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM

Revenue-Producing Factors for City Government

1. Tax receipts from increased property value $4,081,302

2. Tax receipts from increased tourism value $3,048,861

Total $7,130,163

Cost-Saving Factors for City Government

3. Stormwater management value $804,187

Air pollution mitigation value $128,914

Community cohesion value $2,674,422

Total $3,607,523

Cost-Saving Factors to Citizens

Direct use value $452,014,285

Health value $64,955,500

Total $516,969,785

Wealth-Increasing Factors to Citizens

Property value from park proximity $30,690,771

Net profit from tourism $18,027,542

Total $48,718,288

of physical activity in the parks. This came to nearly $65 million.

The last three factors also provided savings, but to city government. Two are of the environmental sort. The first involves water pollution reduction—the fact that the trees and soil of Denver’s parks retain rainfall and thus cut the cost of treating stormwater. This value came to just under $804,000. The second concerns air pollution—the fact that park trees and shrubs absorb a variety of air pollutants. This value came to nearly $129,000. And third is the community cohesion benefit of people banding together to save and improve their neighborhood parks. This “know-your-neighbor” social capital, while hard to tabulate, helps ward off all kinds of antisocial problems that would otherwise cost the city more in police, fire, prison, counseling and rehabilitation costs. This value came to approximately $2.7 million.

The park system of Denver thus has provided the city an annual revenue of $7.1 million, municipal savings of $3.6 million, resident savings of $517 million and a collective increase of resident wealth of $48.7 million.

For the complete report go to http://cpra-web.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=70

NOTE: Reprinted with permission from Peter Harnik, originally published in 2010

The principal authors were Peter Harnik, director, Center for City Park Excellence, and Ben Welle, the center’s assistant director with Trust for Public Lands.

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PARKER19020 Longs Way303-841-2299

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areas. With our full line of Front Mowers, Gator™ Turf Vehicles, Walk-Behinds, Zero-Turn, Wide Area and

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NATIONAL• 140 Million Americans make Outdoor Recreation a

priority

• They spend $646 Billion on trips, gear, activities and vehicles

• The industry provides jobs for 6.1 million Americans (more than Finance, IT and Education)

• The outdoor recreation economy generates $80 billion in national, state and local tax revenues each year.

• The outdoor recreation economy grew approximately 5 percent annually between 2005 and 2011 – this during an economic recession when many sectors contracted.

Source: http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfi les/OIA _ OutdoorRecEconomyReport2012.pdf?167

by the Numbers

Did you know that 20 years ago CPRA completed

an Economic Impact study of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services? As our new statewide message focuses on sharing how “Life is Better with Parks and Recreation” examining how it fosters economic vitality in our and around our communities is valuable. We (parks and recreation professionals) are not always diligent at sharing our worth in fi nancial terms to both our constituents and our users. It is time we got better at demonstrating both our social and economic value.

It seems appropriate 20 years after the economic impact study done by CPRA was complete to examine the economic vitality provided by parks, recreation, trails, open space and outdoor recreation both public and private. What follows are statistics for Economic Contributions of Outdoor Recreation in Colorado, National Economic Impact, National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation – check it out!

Economic Vitality

SURVEY OF FISHING, HUNTING AND WILDLIFE ASSOCIATED RECREATION

OUTDOOR RECREATION FACTS

Total Number of Participants in Wildlife Related Recreation (ages 16 & over) – 2.3 Million

COLO

RADO

Wildlife Related Recreation Expenditures in Colorado - $3 BillionSource: http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/fhw11-co.pdf

77%11%

33%

Fishing/Angling Hunters Wildlife Watching

Total Number of Participants in Wildlife Related Recreation (ages 16 & over) – 90.1 Million

Wildlife Related Recreation Expenditures Nationally - $144.7 BillionSource: http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/fhw11-nat.pdf

37%15%

80%

Fishing/Angling Hunters Wildlife Watching

NATI

ONAL COLORADO

• 3.4 million (90% of adult residents) Coloradoans engaged in outdoor recreation activities (includes 38 activities from hiking, fi shing, boating, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, and camping) in 2012

• Outdoor Recreationist spent $21 billion on trips and equipment

• 313,000 jobs are supported by outdoor recreation, 13.2% of all jobs in CO

Source: The Economic Contributions of Outdoor Recreation in Colorado: A regional and county-level analysis. 11-28-2013


Economic Benefits of Open Space, Recreation Facilities and Walkable Community Design

• People living in walkable neighborhoods get about 35–45 more minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, and are substantially less likely to be overweight or obese.

• Living close to parks and other recreation facilities also is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth.

• Walkable neighborhoods, parks and open spaces also are believed to generate economic benefi ts to local governments, home owners and businesses through higher property values and correspondingly higher tax assessments

• Homes located within 1,500 feet of natural forest areas enjoyed statistically signifi cant property premiums, an average of $10,648, compared to $1,214 for urban parks, $5,657 for specialty parks and $8,849 for golf courses

• The amount of local tax dollars required to operate and service recreation areas may be less than for other types of land use, such as residential developments, further increasing the fi scal impacts they have on municipal governments

Source: http://activelivingresearch.org/fi les/Synthesis_Shoup-Ewing_March2010_0.pdf

Why you should care!Colorado residents are willing to spend money to participate in recreation activities both in the private and public sectors. People place value on parks, trails and open space. They want to and will pay more to live close to parks, trails and open space.

So, whether you are a director, a front desk staff member, a programmer, sports coordinator or a parks maintenance tech, you need to realize that you are part of something bigger. You are part of an industry that has some fi nancial clout and makes an impact on the participants, citizens and visitors that we all serve. You are part of an industry that employs over 13% of Coloradans. You are part of the economic vitality of your community, and of our state. Just look at the numbers.

Economic Vitality


boys 6-7 YEARS: 1. Kamden Wright – Canon City, CO Lincoln Lyons – Greeley, CO Owen McMillen – Pinedale, WY Jordan Rockwell – Limon, CO

girls 6-7 YEARS:

1. Jaxi Mitchek – Goodland, KS Emeri Hale – Pueblo, CO Reese Von Bergen – Stanford, MT Ann Collins – Crested Butte, CO

boys 8-9 YEARS: 1. Trey Hines, Limon, CO Landen Gilmore – Worland, WY Rance Rhoads – Glasgow, MT Noah Canale – Brighton, CO

girls 8-9 YEARS:

1. Cailey Hodkins – Centennial, CO Ava Kimche – Park City, UT Elli Thomas – Fort Collins, CO Karlee Bode – Green River, WY

boys 10-11 YEARS: 1. Rudy Sanford – Worland, WY Tel Lunde – Wibaux, MT Harley Weese – Wray, CO Austin Carlile – Canon City, CO

denver broncos host

PUNT, PASS AND KICK team championship

On Sunday, December 8, 2013 the Denver Broncos hosted the 2013 NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Team Championship at their Dove Valley practice facility in Englewood, Colorado. The NFL Punt, Pass & Kick program (PPK) is a national football skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 6 - 15. The two-hour competition consisted of forty participants each taking one turn at punting, passing and kicking a football. The winners in each age group were honored during a PPK exhibition at half-time of the Denver Broncos/Tennessee Titans game later that day. Special PPK footballs were awarded to fi rst through fourth place in each age division. The winners have a chance to advance to the National PPK Finals, which

are held during an NFL playoff game in January or February. The Denver Broncos PPK Team continues to lobby very hard to be the host the National PPK Finals!! PPK is the oldest NFL youth initiative and, currently, millions of children participate in PPK throughout the United States each year. For more information on this and youth development programs please visit the PPK website at www.nfl ppk.com. Congratulations to all of our participants who made it to the team championship and special congratulations and best luck wishes to the 10 divisional winners. Listed below are the names and hometowns of the participants.


G. R. Marolt & AssociatesPO Box 114, Englewood, CO 80151

(P) 303-762-1090 (F) 303-762-1484Bud Marolt [email protected] | www.maroltassociates.com

GRMarolt ad_Layout 1 5/7/12 3:33 PM Page 1

denver broncos host

PUNT, PASS AND KICK team championship

RES

ULT

Sgirls 10-11YEARS: 1. Lauren Law – Greenwood Village, CO MacKenzie Rask – Miles City, MT Remy Minton – Fort Collins, CO Shayla Cheatham – Greybull, WY

boys 12-13 YEARS: 1. Luke Martin – Colorado Springs, CO Tyson Madson – Tremonton, UT Brock Hill – Greybull, WY Elias Espinoza – Pueblo, CO

girls 12-13 YEARS: 1. Danielle Hansen – Broomfi eld, CO Caira Salas – Denver, CO Abby Harpman – Fort Collins, CO Jaqueline Alvey – Fowler, CO

boys 14-15 YEARS: 1. Nathan Kern – Worland, WY McKay Waite – Orem, UT Charles Dinegar – Golden, CO Reyes Diego Maravilla – Ulysses, KS

girls 14-15 YEARS: 1. Cassie Schlueter – Sterling, CO Maggie Justinak – Rock Springs, WY Brooklyn Murphy – Littleton, CO Kaylee Carlson – Smithfi eld, UT


Playground Equipment & Safety Surfacing • Water Slides Spray Parks & Water Playgrounds

Shade Shelters • Restroom Buildings • Landscape FurnishingsScoreboards, Message Centers, Marquees & Video Displays

Athletic Goals, Nets & Equipment • Bleachers & Stadium SeatingConsulting & Design Services for Parks & Playgrounds

EVENTS2014

FebruaryFeb. 7How to Recruit, Retain and Reward Volunteers WorkshopThe Link Recreation Center

Feb 19-21Certifi ed Pool Operator Course 2014Englewood Civic Center

Feb 20 Student Conference, Job & Internship Fair Metropolitan State University of Denver- Tivoli Student Union

Feb 21-22Partners in the Outdoors Conference: Reaching for SuccessColorado Springs Double Tree Hotel

MarchMar 4-5Playground Maintenance Safety TrainingThe Link Recreation Center

Mar 6Parks Spring Workshop & Tradeshow 2014 Island Grove Events Center

AprilApr 7-9Certifi ed Playground Safety Inspector Course - April 2014Golden Community Center

Apr 23-25ASPiRE~ A Leadership JourneyThe Nature Place

Reaching full potential. One client at a time.

Pernsteiner specializes in marketing, graphic design and event planning for communities and non-profi ts. We offer one-to-one attention that few others can.

• Marketing & brand design

• Custom publications & advertising

• Event planning & marketing

• Sponsorship programs

• Programming brochures

(952) 924-2540 • www.stlouispark.org 1

Experience EVENTS in the Park.

Please join us for these one-day events. Activities are listed in order by date.

Online registration is available for activities requiring advance registration.

Tennis Block Party

Ages 6 and up

Experience the benefits of tennis. Rotate through a variety

of fun lessons run by a professional from the U.S. Tennis

Association. Bring your own racquet or use one of ours.

Door prizes will be awarded.

Saturday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Aquila tennis courts, 3110 Xylon Ave. S.

Free Activity # ____

Registration deadline: May 12

Park & Run Fun Runs

All ages

Come join us for a 5K family-friendly run or try the youth

“Almost-a-Mile.” Both courses travel along paved city trails

and around lakes before finishing at the Veterans’ Memorial

Amphitheater in Wolfe Park. All proceeds support the St.

Louis Park Youth Scholarship Fund. Registrants receive a

T-shirt and goodie bag. Park & Run is generously sponsored

by Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center, Excelsior &

Grand, Sam’s Club and Citizens Independent Bank.

Sunday, May 18

Registration begins at 8 a.m.

$5 per person

Almost-a-Mile Activity # ____

Starts at 9 a.m. $15 in advance / $18 on day of race

5K Activity # ____

5K run starts at 9:15 a.m.

Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

Registration deadline: 8:45 a.m. on race day

Special Events

20th Annual Kiwanis Kite Fly

All ages

Pack a picnic lunch, bring your lawn

chairs and watch the kites take flight.

Or, bring your kite and fly it with

members of the Minnesota Kite Society.

Saturday, April 19, Noon - 4 p.m.

Louisiana Oaks Park, 3400 Louisiana Ave. S.

Free no registration required

Earth Day and Arbor Day Open House

All ages

Get face to face with a live raptor as you celebrate the

Earth. Visit with local organizations to learn simple ways

to make a big impact on our planet. Make a difference by

planting trees or picking up litter. The interactive musical

group “Kidtime with Rachael” will be performing.

Refreshments provided. Bring a lunch and stick around

for a showing of “An Inconvenient Truth” at 12:30 p.m.

See movie description on page __. This event is co-

sponsored by Waste Management.

Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. - noon

Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.

Free no registration required

Mother’s Day Open House

All ages (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)

Celebrate Mom! Bring her to the nature center and plant

a pot of flowers to take home. Lead her on a spring plants

scavenger hunt in search of beautiful spring wildflowers.

Treat her to a sundae that is out of this world. Come and

enjoy Mom’s special day. Program is open-house style.

Sunday, May 11, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Westwood Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.

$4 per person (resident) / $5 (non-resident)

Activity #____

Registration deadline: when program is filled

www.stlouispark.org

APRIL-AUGUST 2008

INSIDE…

18 St. Louis Park

Aquatic Park

22 Westwood Hills

Nature Center

36 The Rec Center Experience

RECREATION

in the Park.

Parks & Recreation

Experience

RECREATION

in the Park.

Experience Summer 2012SOUTH CAROLINArecreation & ParkS aSSociation

City of Charleston: Dedicated to making recreation available to all

Dillon Wellness center: providing opportunities to enjoy healthy and active lifestylesfor Special Events

opportunities to enjoy healthy and active lifestylesforfor Special EventsSpecial Events

www.pernsteiner.com / (952) 841-1111(formerly Pernsteiner Creative Group)


She’ll soon need new playground equipment. Stay top of mind.

For as little as $400 per issue, CPRA Byline gets you in front of key recreation & park decision-makers.

No other form of advertising gets you so targeted.

COLORADOPARKS & RECREATION Byline

Go to www.pernsteiner.com/CPRAmagazine2013.pdf

to download the advertising rate card or call

Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111.

P.O. Box 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034

COLORADOPARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

Byline

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CFS CPRA Winter 2014 Ad.pdf 1/15/14 12:40:26 PM

colorado parks & recreation byline

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