positioning wpra · milwaukee, wi 53214 (414) 423-1210 fax (414) 423-1296 email:...

2014 WPRA Park Design AwardsPG 16

RFPs and RFQsSeven Steps to aBetter Outcome PG 18

Spring 2015

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WISCONSIN PARK & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

POSITIONING WPRA

INTO THE FUTURE...

Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association 3

Volume 42 • Issue 2

PUBLICATION OFFICESEditor: Steve Thompson, CPRP, CEOWisconsin Park & Recration Association6737 West Washington Street, Suite 1300Milwaukee, WI 53214(414) 423-1210 FAX (414) 423-1296Email: [email protected] Editor: Jennifer Hack, WPRA Account RepresentativePlease submit all articles and news releases for publication in IMPACT to Jennifer Hack at [email protected]. IMPACT MAGAZINE COMMITTEERex Mehlberg, CPRP, ChairpersonEileen McCoy, CPRP, Member at LargeCraig Hoeppner, CPRP, Liaison WISCONSIN PARK & RECREATION ASSOCIATIONPresident: Sue McDade, CPRP, DirectorPast President: Roger Kist, CPRP, AldermanPresident-Elect: Craig Hoeppner, CPRP, DirectorSecretary/Treasurer: Sean Brusegar, Director REGION REPRESENTATIVESRegion I: Chad Schooley, CPRP, DirectorRegion II: Aaron Jenson, Recreation CoordinatorRegion III: Matt Amundson, CPRP, DirectorRegion IV: Melissa Philipps, Landscape Architect SECTION REPRESENTATIVESAquatics: Holly Glainyk, CPRP, Park Program SpecialistPark: Denise Larson, CPRP, Recreation, Senior Center & Zoo Division ManagerRecreation: Reese MacAskill, Recreation Supervisor GENERAL OFFICESWisconsin Park & Recreation Association6737 West Washington Street, Suite 1300Milwaukee, WI 53214(414) 423-1210 FAX (414) 423-1296Executive Director/CEO: Steve Thompson, CPRPWPRA Account Representative: Jennifer Hack

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association is to increase the effectiveness of professionals in parks, recreation, therapeutic recreation and related leisure services through a variety of forums which encourage and enhance professional education and network-ing among the leisure industry, and to advocate and promote the benefits of parks and leisure services to the general public. The Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association does not discrim-inate on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, creed, sexual orientation or ability in its education programs and activities or employment practices.

National Recreation and Park Association22377 Belmont Ridge Road Ashburn, VA 20148 (703) 858-0784

Editor’s LetterPu

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Join WPRA to Advance Your Professional Career

Steven J. Thompson, CPRP, CEO

Managing Editor

Continued on page 26

You’ve heard it a thousand times: Join a professional organization to advance your career. And yet most of us don’t follow that advice. Others join but fail to participate. But these affiliations should be more than just a line on your résumé! How many students and professionals in a parks and recreation curriculum or position do you know who are not members of the Wiscon-sin Park & Recreation Association?

Professional organizations are a must for those just starting out in their careers to make connections in their industry and find mentors.

Industry organizations and professional groups are an untapped goldmine of the job search and career advancement universe. Associations run the gamut from intimate dinner clubs to massive international membership organiza-tions. Every industry has at least one association, and most industries have several, many of which include chap-ters designed specifically for women. Some associations, particularly in popu-lar fields like accounting and marketing, even have collegiate chapters. Take a look at WPRA — we have four regional organizations, as well as membership sections, including aquatics, park, rec-reation and therapeutic recreation.

First step: Pick an association or orga-nization to join.

Select an organization connected to your profession. Ask your colleagues for recommendations on the Wiscon-sin Park & Recreation Association or the National Recreation and Park Asso-ciation. A simple search on Yahoo will

also turn up these organizations and others in the field.

Check out the benefits. Some groups offer access to a membership direc-tory, which may prove valuable to your search. WPRA has now gone to an online Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide for paid members. This now becomes an easily accessible resource for professionals, students and vendors, and more importantly, is constantly updated as the member-ship grows. Others host events that enable like-minded professionals to connect in person. The group may produce a publication or newsletter that offers the top trends and thought leaders in your field. Make sure you’re aware of the benefits, and determine if you can make use of them. WPRA’s four regional organizations provide monthly meetings for networking and resource sharing. In addition, there are a number of training workshops and seminars, as well as Wisconsin’s premier annual conference and trade show for park and recreation students and professionals.

Ask for references. If the member-ship fee is more than nominal, don’t be shy about calling the membership director to ask for a justification of the benefits. Ask for names of a few members who can also explain how they’ve benefited from this affiliation. The WPRA website has numerous resources depicting the benefits of membership, but it’s even better to hear it from a fellow professional and/or student.


For more information about advertising in IMPACT, contact 844.423.7272 or [email protected].

www.innovativepublishing.com

Editor’s Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Commercial Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8WPRA Board of Directors Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Management Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14So You Want to Start a Park Foundation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15What Does It Take to Serve on the WPRA Board? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152014 WPRA Park Design Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16WPRA IMPACT Magazine Author Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17RFPs and RFQs: Seven Steps to a Better Outcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Shallow-Water Blackout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Give the Best Part of Yourself in 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20General Assembly Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21The Inaugural Wisconsin Park & Recreation Community Park & Recreation Facility Tour! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Certificate of Commendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Funny Motivational Speaker: Jody Urquhart, 2015 WPRA Keynote . . . 26

Contents

Deadlines for submission of articles and photographs are as follows:November 1, Publication date: January 1

February 1, Publication date: April 1April 1, Publication date: June 1

August 1, Publication date: October 1

Requirements for photos are as follows:High-resolution photographs at 300dpi; Photos should be at least 4x6;

No images pulled from websites

Please submit all articles (1,000-word maximum), photos and news releases for publication in IMPACT to Steve Thompson at [email protected].

ETHICS POLICYThe IMPACT Committee reserves the right to edit and/or reject any proposed or submitted magazine materials (stories, features, photos, etc.) based on ethical prin-ciples or other criteria established by the committee that are in the best interest of the association and generally reflect WPRA membership values. Said ethical prin-ciples include, but are not limited to:1. Magazine authors/contributors: a. Must cite sources unless submittals represent original work. b. May not realize any direct financial gain.

2. Materials will not be accepted: a. If they promote items inconsistent with the values and benefits of parks and recreation (i.e. smoking, drugs, alcohol, poor behavior/language, etc.) b. If considered to be slanderous and/or negatively personal in nature.

JOB POSTINGSPlease visit the WPRA website, www.wpraweb.org, for job advertisements. If you have a position to post, please use the online form … it’s as easy as 1-2-3!

LIST SERVEWisconsin Park & Recreation Association will be using LinkedIn for all communications. There is an overall Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association group, a Board of Directors group and individual groups for the various sections and regions. There will be no other avenue used to send emails. This will eliminate the mass amounts of emails that members receive. So register today at www.linkedin.com to stay connected. If you have any questions, contact Steve Thompson at [email protected].

6 IMPACT


President’s Message

Sue McDade, CPRP

WPRA State of the Association Address

WPRA Business Plan: The association business plan has now been updated for 2015-2017 and outlines the strategies that the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Asso-ciation staff will use to accomplish annual business operation objectives, as well as implement the goals and objectives of the three-year WPRA strategic plan approved by the Board of Directors. This plan articulates the vision, mission and purpose of the organization — much of which was established by WPRA’s founders over four decades ago. It also offers a more recent historical context for the association’s business accom-plishments, which serves as a baseline from which to measure WPRA’s continued and future successes.

Personnel: The WPRA office continues to operate with the assistance of an association management company, Svinicki Association Management (SAMI), that provides a number of office-related responsibilities (e.g., membership and education registrations, online payments, online membership directory and buyer’s guide, job and intern postings in our career center, conference program and trade show booklets, website postings and updates, etc.). Fortunately, we were able to end the 2014 fiscal year in the black, primarily due to the reduced cost to have the association management company complete these tasks.

Membership: As projected, starting in 2009, WPRA and all of the other state park and recreation associa-tions began to see a decline in membership due to the dramatic change in the economy and the lack of support to fund memberships, educational attendance, etc., by municipalities, counties and other organizations.

WPRA has actually fared well compared to most of the other state park and recreation associations, and the introduction of the Premier Membership category greatly enhanced membership enrollment, as well as exposing WPRA to a number of new individuals around the state.

However, our membership regions and sections must make a concerted effort to help increase the member-ship for the state association. Without an increase in numbers, we will face an inevitable decline in member-

ship services. It is also imperative that we promote pro-fessionalism among our younger members.

Revenues: While the Discount Ticket Program will remain a viable revenue-producing entity for WPRA, we continue to see a significant decline in annual revenues, and we must continue to investigate and implement alternative revenue-producing services for the state association. Where WPRA was once the only entity sell-ing discounted tickets, we are now one of hundreds of organizations where reduced tickets can be purchased. We oftentimes compete with grocery chains, restau-rants, gas stations, financial institutions and national products like Coca-Cola that provide lower-cost tickets in exchange for the business they feel it brings to them.

In an attempt to determine potential sources of new revenue streams, the 2015 WPRA Board of Directors recently approved the creation of an Alternative Rev-enue Task Force to study new methods of generating finances that have not been attempted previously and that would be beneficial to both the state association and the membership.

The state association office continues to implement a number of innovative services to minimize expendi-tures, such as the contract with Innovative Publishing to design and print the quarterly IMPACT magazine. Before we entered into this partnership, WPRA spent approxi-mately $30,000 to produce this statewide magazine. Now, with our current contract, WPRA does not pay anything to provide the graphic and printing services needed to produce this nationally acclaimed resource. WPRA negotiated the above services with Innovative Publishing provided we could recommend them to other park and recreation associations. As a result, Innovative’s business in the park and recreation industry has grown. While we do not retain any revenues from the advertisements in IMPACT, we do not incur the cost of soliciting ads, having a graphic designer lay out the magazine and having a printer then produce this prod-uct. WPRA has a three-year contract remaining with Innovative Publishing to continue this service.

By now, all of you have seen or read about the State of the State address provided by the governor of Wisconsin. Well, I would like to provide a “WPRA State of the Association” memo to inform the membership where we stand early in this new fiscal year.

Continued on page 26

8 IMPACT

Commercial Corner

GameTime has recently launched IONiX! It is an aesthetically pleasing outdoor art form in an exciting, ground-level play system. Each structure mimics natural elements that promote play that enhances strength, balance and coordi-nation. Stunning IONiX roofs cast color shadows that move and change to create bold visual statements and inspire a new element of discovery and play.

BCI Burke celebrates 95 years of creating play for children around the

world. The new year marks a momen-tous company milestone for BCI Burke, as it celebrates 95 years of designing, manufacturing and servicing exceptional playground, park and recreation products for children and families all over the world. Since its humble beginnings in the early 1920s, the company has grown to be a playground industry leader. BCI Burke commemorates this distinguished mile-stone with approximately 80 employees at the corporate headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and its professional network of domestic and internation-al manufacturer’s representatives. J.E. Burke Company was started in 1920 as a weather-stripping company by John Edward and Ethlyn Burke on the family farm in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where it still stands today. By the mid-1920s, Burke became the first major playground manu-facturer in the United States. Through three generations of the Burke family, their successors, Tim Ahern and now Presi-dent and CEO Mike Phelan, BCI Burke Company has and continues to stand by J.E. Burke’s original commitment to superior quality, outstanding service and constant innovation. With each passing year, Burke’s products continue to inspire imagination and challenge children while they play for generations to come.

Plexus overhead and climbing system — a new level of Intensity®. We’re tak-

ing the classic monkey bars to a whole new level with Plexus — a modular climb-ing and overhead play system. Kids will love being able to create their own path up, through, around and over these climb-ers. The original overhead design creates endless options for children to swing and traverse between different play events. Create a challenging, freestanding activity by using all the components or mix and match with other Nucleus™ and Intensity® play events!

Incline Equity Partners (Incline), a Pittsburgh-based lower-middle-market private equity firm, proud-ly announces an investment in BCI Burke Company, LLC (Burke or “the company”). Founded in 1920 and head-quartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Burke is a leading designer, manu-facturer and marketer of commercial playground and leisure equipment. The company’s expansive product set is sold into multiple end markets, includ-ing parks/recreation, school, housing/developer and daycare markets. Burke is committed to inventing and Reinvent-ing Play™ and to providing market dif-ferentiating support to its independent representative network.

“I am honored to be a part of the Burke legacy and its strong, respected brand name in the market,” former President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Ahern said. “We chose Incline because they were best positioned to guide us through the first management transition while also driving sustainable, future growth. Through this transition, I will remain a part of the exceptional Burke team as an owner and member of the Board of Directors and am eager to be an integral part of Burke’s growth strategies moving forward,” Ahern said.

Mike Phelan, newly named chief executive officer, added, “We are excited to lever-

age Incline’s experience to help Burke achieve its strategic growth initiatives in both existing and new markets. Partner-ing with Incline will enhance Burke’s abil-ity to provide innovative, accessible play environments for children, families and communities worldwide.”

Wali Bacdayan, partner with Incline, said, “Burke has an impressive history with a proven ability to garner market share. Our investment will build upon this founda-tion to further strengthen the company.”

This acquisition marks the second new platform investment for Incline and the 10th overall transaction in 2014. Incline added new platform Hartland Controls a market-leading supplier of electrical system components to the heating, ven-tilation and air-conditioning market and other industrial end markets in February. “2014 was an active, exciting year at Incline,” Justin Bertram, partner, said. “We are pleased with our investment pace, and we are optimistic for similar activity in 2015.”

Engineering and archi-tecture firm Ayres Asso-ciates has named Lisa Fleming, PE, manager of its Eau Claire municipal services group, which pri-marily serves the north-west quarter of Wiscon-

sin. Fleming joined Ayres Associates in 2003 and has 33 years of experience in municipal and transportation engineer-ing and construction supervision. She has provided a range of planning and design engineering services to munici-pal, county and state clients, assisting many communities with planning for the most efficient and safe use of their utilities and other capital improvement investments. Her expertise includes proj-ect planning and development, street and utility design, water supply, site


development, agency and utility coordi-nation, and public involvement. Fleming’s past experience includes being majority owner of her own engineering firm, as well as serving as a district construction supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. “The diversity of Lisa’s engineering experience and her ability to visualize a path to the desired outcome create a strong base for Lisa’s new role,” says Disa Wahlstrand, PE, vice president of engineering services in Wisconsin. “She values client relationships and will support the group in enhancing those relationships by improving the quality service we offer them. We are fortunate to have Lisa’s leadership.”

Fleming is a registered professional engi-neer in Wisconsin and Minnesota and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engi-neers. Ayres Associates is a multidisci-pline engineering and architecture firm based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with 12 offices in five states: Wisconsin, Ari-zona, Colorado, Wyoming and Florida. The firm provides engineering services in transportation, municipal, environmental and water resources disciplines. It also provides consulting services in architec-ture, landscape architecture, grant writ-ing, planning, surveying and geospatial mapping. For more information, visit www.AyresAssociates.com.

Evan Mascitti has recent-ly joined H&K Sports Fields to assist in project management and busi-ness development. Mas-citti’s expertise in turfgrass agronomy and soil science will bolster the capabili-

ties of the athletic field construction firm. Mascitti recently completed his master’s degree in agronomy at Penn State, with a focus on turfgrass science. Mascitti first became interested in sports turf during col-lege through his summer employment at West Madison Little League. After gradu-ating from Beloit College in 2012 with a degree in geology, he enrolled at Penn State, where his thesis project evaluated turf management practices used in sod production. The results of his research are currently employed by a prominent sod farm in New Jersey, which produces turf for several NFL and MLB teams.

While at Penn State, Mascitti worked for the Center for Sports Surface Research, conducting experiments on both natural grass and synthetic surfaces. He helped teach undergraduate courses in soil sci-ence and turfgrass management and spent time working on the Beaver Stadium grounds crew. Mascitti traveled with other Penn State researchers across the north-eastern United States to evaluate fields at various professional stadiums. In 2014, Mascitti also completed an extended internship at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. He honed his practical skills with the Mets’ grounds crew, participating in all facets of turf and skinned-area main-tenance at their major league stadium. Having returned to Wisconsin, Mascitti now dedicates his efforts to improving the safety and playability of athletic fields in his home state. His background in the technical and practical aspects of athletic field care will further H&K’s expertise in athletic field design, construction, renova-tion and maintenance.

To contact Mascitti, call (608) 513-8800, or email him at [email protected]. Visit hksportsfields.com for more infor-mation about H&K Sports Fields and their innovative Magic Mix™ baseball infield topdressing material.

The team that designed the award-winning Phoenix Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is preparing to make that teaming arrangement permanent. Ayres Associates and the SAA Design Group have entered into a letter of intent for Ayres to acquire SAA. The acquisition should be finalized in spring 2015. Project managers in the combined firm will be able to offer a broader range of planning, facility design, architectural, engineering and geospatial services to clients through-out Wisconsin and nationally. The staff will continue to provide Wisconsin com-munities with expert services in park, trail, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and other recreational facility design, combined with the planning and public participation insights that help win community support for projects. Details

are on www.AyresAssociates.com and www.SAA-madison.com. Please contact Blake Theisen, (608) 255-0800, or Phil Johnson, (715) 834-3161, for park-related project inquiries.

SAA Design Group is pleased to be working with the City of Waukesha Parks Department to develop master plans for four undeveloped sites in the city. This opportunity will provide new and diverse recreational offerings to the community and enhance the overall park system.

SAA Design Group is working with the city of Janesville in developing concepts and construction documents for a new splashpad in Riverside Park. The theme of the facility pays tribute to the Ice Age Trail that traverses the park near the new splashpad. Construction will be complet-ed in the summer of 2015.

The village of DeForest retained SAA Design Group to complete an update of their park and open-space plan in late 2014. The planning team worked closely with village staff members to complete a thorough analysis of the existing facilities and develop a diverse and equitable set of long-term recommendations. SAA uti-lized geographic information system (GIS) demographic analyses to forecast future growth patterns and facility placements.

Stantec designs longest ice ribbon in the United States for a new Chicago park. Stantec’s recreation group in St. Paul, Minnesota, served as the ice con-sultant on the new quarter-mile refriger-ated ice ribbon, a signature element of the recently opened Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago. The highly antici-pated 20-acre waterfront park will provide

10 IMPACT

active recreational opportunities through unique types of open space and activities including rock-climbing structures and a three-acre play garden, in addition to the ice-skating ribbon. The meandering 20- to 40-foot-wide J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Skating Ribbon provides 27,500 square feet of ice surface — nearly twice the size of a traditional rink. Unlike the com-mon flat and oval rink, the ribbon winds through the undulating park landscape with 2 to 3 percent grades providing an added dimension to the skating experi-ence. The ice ribbon, which can hold up to 700 skaters at a time, is modeled on popular ice features in wide use through-out Europe. Stantec has designed similar ice ribbon features in Elkhart, Indiana, and Washington. The ice design team used a lightweight foam fill to minimize loads on the existing parking structure below the park. A centrally located refrigeration plant draws on downtown cooling district water for condensing. The plant is hidden from view in a mechanical building located in one of three large climbing features. Designed for skating from November through March, the system incorporates multiple cooling zones to provide a series of refrigerated segments to relieve stress-es induced from thermal movements. In the summer, the ice ribbon transforms to a roller skating and walking pathway and provides a venue for exhibitions and special events.

Mike Bach recently joined R.A. Smith Nation-al, a multidisciplined site design, engineering and surveying firm in Brook-field, Wisconsin, as a proj-ect engineer. Bach is a Wisconsin-registered pro-

fessional engineer with more than seven years of experience that includes park and recreation projects for both the public and private sectors. He is experienced in site planning and site design, watershed and stormwater management, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, grant writing, and permit coordination. He has worked on projects throughout Wisconsin, including a community-based rehabilitation facility (CBRF) in Lac du Flambeau, the Prentice Park canoe/kayak landing expansion in Ashland, a 12-acre campground expan-sion at Madeline Island’s Big Bay Town Park in LaPointe and many others. Bach contributes to the collaborative efforts of the park planning and design profes-sionals at R.A. Smith National, including site planners, landscape architects, irriga-tion designers, water resource specialists,

ecologists, civil and structural engineers, and construction management profes-sionals. Bach holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. To contact Bach, call (262) 317-3370 or email [email protected]. For more about R.A. Smith National, visit rasmithnational.com.

Port Washington City Council adopts updated comprehensive outdoor rec-reation plan prepared by MSA Profes-sional Services, Inc. This plan intends to guide the continual improvement of the city’s park and open-space system and maintain the city’s eligibility for state and federal park and recreation grants. This plan envisions a connected system of parks and open spaces throughout the community related to the city’s natu-ral resources, geography and neighbor-hoods. Recommendations include linking community parks to civic destinations and commercial areas through the develop-ment of an on- and off-road bicycle park loop that will be an extension of the Inter-urban Trail. The village of Grafton retained MSA Professional Services to assist with the design of amenities for Veterans Memorial Park. The village has received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to improve the park. MSA will work with the village to create an attractive, low-maintenance walkway that is ADA-compliant and complements the existing riverwalk area. Because the park is an access point for ice skating in the winter and canoeing and kayaking in the spring, summer and fall, the village also seeks the creation of a formal access point that accommodates all three activi-ties. MSA’s team will provide planning, landscape architecture and engineering services for the project. Improvements will be completed this year. MSA Professional Services will prepare an update of the city of Wisconsin Dells Comprehensive Outdoor Recre-ation Plan. MSA’s planners and engi-neers will help the city assess its current needs and infrastructure and determine if other areas could be identified as poten-tial park or recreation areas. The plan will describe possible grant and funding options to implement the recommenda-tions. In addition, MSA is also preparing a programming study for a new recreation-al facility that is expected to include a new competitive and recreational indoor aquatics facility plus fitness and gymna-

sium spaces. Wisconsin Dells, a popular Midwestern tourist destination, accom-modates millions of visitors each year.

Miller & Associates – Sauk Prairie, Inc. would like to thank Paul Zeller for many years of ser-vice and welcome Bren-da Kvitek to our team. We would like to thank Paul Zeller for his many

years at Miller & Associates. Zeller began at Miller & Associates in May of 1998, working as a sales representative for over 16 years. He enjoyed meeting with cus-tomers and bringing their projects to life. Zeller was always helpful and informative, from the first thoughts of a project until long after it was installed. This fall, Zeller ran for and was elected as treasurer of Brown County. We extend him congratu-lations on his new position and wish him and his family the best of luck. We are pleased to announce the joining of Brenda Kvitek to our team. Kvitek joins us as the

new sales representative for central and northeast-ern Wisconsin. She has 17 years of experience in rec-reational business, includ-ing playground design. Kvitek and her husband, Al, enjoy spending time

with their five children and eight grand-children. Kvitek officially started January 1, 2015. She can be reached by phone at (800) 953-8700 or by email at [email protected].

Thank you to Paul Zeller for your many years of service! And a warm welcome to Brenda!

GRAEF helps create Hydro Park in Kaukauna. The new public park and plaza is partially located on a city-owned parcel situated between Crooks Avenue, Dodge Street and the power canal and partially on the proposed filled area of the power


canal and adjacent island area. The area is approximately two acres. GRAEF helped with master planning, site/civil design and landscape architecture. GRAEF worked with the city of Kaukauna and Kaukauna Utilities to help Kaukauna Hydro Park: • Become the heart of the city• Connect the past, present and future• Provide an education opportunity• Allow for flexible programming• Provide seasonal interest• Become a destination• Be unique to Kaukauna• Have high quality• Increase visibility• Allow for event programming• Have unique elements• Honor the Fox-Wisconsin

Heritage Parkway• Tell a story

GRAEF teams up with Oak Creek to develop Drexel Town Square. GRAEF worked with the city and developers to help Oak Creek transform a former manu-

facturing facility site in the heart of the city into a prime destina-tion. The new square will serve as the city’s town center, comprised of mixed-use development. GRAEF thought creatively when determining storm-water management features necessary to comply with site requirements and to achieve storm-water management goals. By helping a municipality and private entities to think creatively, GRAEF was able to help turn the former manufacturing site into usable land, while preserving the wetlands and helping generate money for the city and developers to turn the land into a mixed-use development. The site will serve as

the heart of the city and a prime desti-nation. GRAEF created the sustainable development guidebook that facilitated the implementation of BMPs for sustain-able development that addressed MMSD regional goals and Drexel Town Square development needs.

To be included in Commercial Corner, please submit items of interest about your company (new projects, awards, accomplishments, new personnel, etc.) to Eileen McCoy via email at [email protected].

Craig Hoeppner, CPRP, President-Elect, Director, West Bend Parks, Recreation & Forestry

Hello, WPRA! After more than 12 years away from the WPRA Board, I am back in the game as your president-elect. For those who are lucky enough not to know me, I am currently the director of parks, recreation and forestry for the city of West Bend. I also spent a good deal of time working for the City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation & Forestry in the rec-reation division. I got started in this crazy profession at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse way back in the ’80s when the music was good (Mellencamp, Springsteen and Bryan Adams) and the fashion was bad (Izods, lots of leggings and fluffy/poofy hair).

Two Greatest Issues Facing WPRAThe normal response to this question is financial stability and membership growth. However, as some of you know, I’m not that normal. WPRA has been a stable, viable and important organization for 50 years, and with an engaged membership like we have and stable leadership, we are positioned for another great 50 years. So let’s go with … member engage-ment and mentorship!

Member engagement: During my 25 years of WPRA involve-ment (wow, I am getting older), we have always had great member engagement. Don’t get me wrong — Steve does a tremendous job guiding the organization and doing the heavy lifting, but WPRA thrives because its members are much more than members, they are active and participatory and that’s what makes the engine run so well. I’m excited about rejoining the WPRA Board because the entire Board is made up of enthusiastic, prideful and professional people. And I know they are representative of the entire WPRA member-ship. So please stay engaged!

Mentorship: For a few years back in the early 2000s, I was the WPRA student liaison. I loved this position, as I got the chance to interact with up-and-comer students and mentor them a bit about WPRA and our profession. Obviously, it is extremely important that we continue to mentor students and young professionals to share our enthusiasm and knowledge of the profession. I encourage each of you to continue connecting with students and young professionals through internships and professional development or through a simple phone call, email or text to mentor our next generation of park and recreation professionals. Many people helped mentor us, so let’s continue to give back!

How do we strengthen the image of parks and recreation with elected officials?• Credibility — do a GREAT job every day!• Community support — make sure you engage the

community in every program and project that you do. Our job is to implement the ideas that our residents dream up.

• Communication — talk face to face with our elected officials. Learn their likes and dislikes. Ask their opin-ions. Find out what they will support and where their heartburn is.

• Credibility — do a GREAT job every day for your community!

Aaron Jenson, Region II Representative, City of Waupaca Parks & Recreation Director

What do you feel should be done to strengthen the image of parks and recreation with our elected officials?As parks and recreation professionals, many of us tend to take a modest and soft-spoken approach when it comes to accomplishments and services we provide to our communi-ties. This mindset can sometimes make it easy for elected officials to forget about the great things we provide to our communities. It is important to step out of our comfort zone and have an enthusiasm for the parks and facilities we main-tain, the programs we provide, and the organizations we work with. This enthusiasm can be a lifestyle that will show through in council and board meetings, promotional items, programs and events, and your day-to-day interaction with your community.

If you are like me, you may be able to do a better job of exposing some of our elected officials to studies showing the benefits of parks, recreation programs and senior pro-grams. The WPRA and NRPA make it easier for you to access and use these tools within your community. Advocating for parks and recreation is not only important on a local level but also at a state level. I would encourage everyone to go online to www.wpraweb.org/resources-1 and take a look at the advocacy toolkit for 2015. This resource makes it easier for you to take that next step and advocate for your profes-sion at the state level. Using the resources that have been put in place for us as professionals can make our parks and recreation programs better for our communities.

WPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOCUSAaron Jenson and Craig Hoeppner

Craig HoeppnerAaron Jenson

12 IMPACT

14 IMPACT

Management Briefs

Become an E-NavigatorBecome a good Web explorer and spend at least 30 minutes every two to three weeks visiting new sites, as well as returning to favorite sites to see what’s new. Subscribe to electronic newsletters, and become a good scanner, reading them quickly in a search for interesting tidbits. Broadening your field of vision will increase the diverse examples you can draw upon when trying to generate new ideas.

Create an Experiment FundCreate an experiment fund that pro-vides seed money and incentive for staff members, committees, etc., to experi-ment with new projects and see what works out. The equivalent of a corpora-tion’s research and development fund, this nominal financial support can foster the type of ongoing experimentation needed for innovation to occur in your park and recreation department.

Embrace ConstraintsForce yourself (and others) to think differ-ently by placing constraints on the ques-tion you are exploring. Example: How can we do 10 percent more next year while using 10 percent less money to do so? Constraints cause you to automatically shift your thinking outside the limits of the more mundane question.

Employ MetaphorsUse the power of metaphors to inspire new thinking. Let’s say you are trying to increase the community among members of your organization. Apply different metaphors to the concept of community and see what new ideas might emerge from subsequent discussion: community as the roots of a tree, community as the five Olympic rings,

community as a spiderweb, community as the foundation of a house, etc.

Pick Up New Periodicals to ReadGet in the habit of regularly reading a magazine that you wouldn’t normally. Buy one at random at the newsstand, or go to the library for an hour a month and scan several publications, particularly those of age groups and cultures other than your own. To complement this, for the more electronic media-oriented folks, watch one television show you would not ordi-narily watch (or just watch one for the non-TV folks!).

The Value of Pitching InSpend time with others as a group work-ing on a bulk mailing for your depart-ment’s program guide or an otherwise tedious and labor-intensive activity. You’ll be amazed at the conversations and ideas that occur while doing the task. A great deal of research validates the value of not focusing on the issue at hand as an effective strategy for generating new and powerful ideas.

The Wild Card FactorInvite “wild cards” to participate in your meetings and strategy sessions. Wild cards are people not tied to your organi-zation who are good thinkers with contri-butions that could benefit you and your organization.

Think Outside the Park and Recreation HeadquartersHold meetings in rooms and locations that foster creativity — no windowless hotel conference rooms allowed! Consider grade schools, galleries and museums, outdoor spaces, etc. Always select spaces

and manage the environment so it encour-ages and supports the type of thinking you are trying to generate.

Think RandomlySimilarly, use the “random word” tech-nique to inspire new ideas: 1. Take any area where you are looking

for ideas (example: park services) 2. Add in a random noun

(example: camera) 3. Force the two words together, and cre-

ate a new question to explore: What interesting ideas can emerge when we bring together park services and a camera?

Possible answers: Give participants an instant camera to create a photo wall during the event. Capture all attendees’ photos digitally as they arrive on-site, and create an online directory of attendees.

Transform Breaks into ExperiencesDuring one of the breaks you have at a regular park and recreation board (or staff) meeting, give people 15 to 30 minutes, ask them to pair up, and offer them a compel-ling question to ponder together over a cup of coffee or a short walk. Frame the ques-tion in the most interesting and provocative language possible to inspire more creative thinking about the question.

Hopefully, these tips will provide park and recreation managers with several new approaches to inspire creativity during these trying times. Start with one or two, and then begin to add your own tips that will keep you and your agency staff mem-bers in a creative and positive mode.

Departmental Meetings: Great Tips to Unleash

by Steven J. Thompson, CPRP, CEO/Executive Director

Have you and your park and recreation agency become stuck in a quagmire as a result of the recession? Well, per-haps it’s time for you to unleash some creativity among your staff members to not only get through the financial

crisis but also to use this time to creatively approach your operations and services in a new direction. Here are some tips for you to consider.

Did you have the opportunity to major in nonprofit board governance in college (of course not!) or even take any classes in nonprofit management (likely not)? Thus, most people come to board service with limited, if any, governance experience or formal training to be a successful board member. Yet being a board member is the most important volunteer position in any nonprofit organization, including WPRA.

So what does it take to be a really smart and effective leader on a nonprofit board in today’s world? First is understanding that as a board member, you are part of a team that never practices. There are no dress rehearsals and no scrimmage matches

before the board meeting. Second, in addi-tion to learning about the organization itself, you must also be knowledgeable about the environmental shifts and forces that boards have to address to ensure their organiza-tions’ sustainability.

Finally, every board member must pledge to be fully engaged, in constructive part-nership with the chief executive, to truly achieve governance as leadership. Ideally, all board members should annually sign a board member agreement detailing their duties and responsibilities. Four key quali-ties of an individual board member are to be:

1. Emotionally passionate about the mission

2. Physically active and engaged3. Cognitively informed and strategic

about programs and services4. Spiritually committed to promoting and

safeguarding the organization

As you look over that list of key qualities, identify what you need to do to help trans-form yourself to lead the governance of your organization. You’ll be well on your way to becoming a great board member. The future of your organization depends upon it.

What Does It Take to Serve on the WPRA Board?by Steven J. Thompson, CPRP, CEO/Executive Director

2015 leadership 8.5x11 Impact:Layout 1 8/1/14 10:30 AM Page 1

So You Want to Start a Park Foundation?by Craig Anderson, Assistant Executive Director, National Association of Park Foundations

What Is a Park Foundation?A park foundation, also known as a friends group, is an individual nonprofit organiza-tion that supports a specific local park or park project with time, expertise and privately raised funds. As a champion for parks, the park foundation frequently engages local citizens and businesses and provides financial support and volunteer time in support of park priorities.

Many local parks and recreation depart-ments throughout the state desire to start local park foundations within their municipalities. You have probably worked with citizens or groups of citizens who are passionate about their local parks. Most department staff members understand the importance of seeking and receiving money outside their capital budgets that aids in acquiring and developing park land. Oftentimes, this is done through grants, sponsorships or charitable organizations raising money for a specific park’s project. With today’s state and local budgets being stretched thin, and parks and recreation department budgets being cut, or elect-ed officials expecting more service with fewer staff members and less money, the more donor money that can be received, the better the local parks will be received by elected officials and taxpayers. Park development will also happen that much quicker for taxpayer citizens to become park users. How many of you know of a

park amenity that would be received well by citizens but elected officials are not willing to spend money because there are “more pressing” needs?

So if we know the benefit to starting a park foundation, why doesn’t each city/village/town that has local parks have one? Some of the common reasons why park founda-tions are not occurring are: not knowing how to complete the necessary paperwork that needs to be filed at the state and fed-eral level to become a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; the time to recruit board members and then the training of those board members; and, of course, the per-ceived startup costs and the staff time it will take to research how to start, maintain and help build a strong foundation.

Is There an Easier Way?Yes. I do not think there is anyone out there who can say they would not benefit from having a local park foundation that volunteers time and works at fundrais-ing and soliciting money to benefit local parks. If that is the case, then how can we streamline the process, or how can we share in the time and training it takes to have a strong park foundation? The National Association of Park Foundations is here to help you.

National Association of Park Foundations The National Association of Park Foun-

dations (NAPF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization that serves as a local resource and national voice for local park foundations to build founda-tions to enhance the local park experience. This NAPF group of professionals came together in September 2014, because the professionals saw a real need for bringing together all park foundations under one national umbrella that can also serve at the local level. The NAPF can help the park foundation that is just getting started, the park foundation that is up and going but needs to improve its operations, or the mature park foundation that needs fresh ideas for growth. Please visit our website at www.the-napf.org for membership cost and benefits/services. The NAPF looks forward to starting a personal relationship with each and every park foundation and establishing a networking resource that will benefit everyone throughout the coun-try. Let us help you…

Yours in parks,

Craig Anderson, Assistant Executive DirectorNational Headquarters 420 West Stone, Suite 2EVilla Park, Illinois 60181(414) [email protected]

16 IMPACT

2014 WPRA Park Design AwardsThe 2014 Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association’s Park Design Awards were announced this past November at the 49th Annual Conference in the Wisconsin Dells.

Park Design Awards of Merit (Under $125,000)Kenosha Parks Department – Poerio Park Nature PlaygroundPoerio Park Nature Center is located on the north side of the city of Kenosha, along the county Pike Bike Trail. The Pike River flows through this large tract of land eventually emptying into Lake Michigan a half-mile downstream. The park is conservancy-based recreation and contained an extensive hiking/walking trail system, a fishing pond with an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant (ADA) pier, and a small shelter/restroom facility. In 2012, an invasive species of red crayfish was discovered in the pond, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ordered the pond to be destroyed and filled with clay to eliminate the pest. The pond was a main attraction for the park and occupied the space directly adjacent to the shelter and parking lot.

When the pond was filled, the neighborhood and community res-idents voiced their disappointment with losing this park amenity.

The design team evaluated several new uses for the former pond site and conceived the concept of nature-themed play-ground stations around the perimeter loop path and an ice rink over the old pond footprint. These new uses allow park visitors to utilize the space year-round and keep the park in a conservancy-type usage.

The play equipment was designed and selected to portray natu-ral elements, such as a dragonfly seesaw, a spiderweb climb-ing structure, a mushroom table and seats, and trees to climb. The main post-and-deck structure included custom-constructed posts wrapped in glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) tree bark and a laser-cut roof with leaf patterns. Woodland animals were hidden in the structures to allow for discovery by the chil-dren as they play.

Because of the clay cap on the old pond, no excavation could occur, thus requiring creative site grading to create the new ice rink area. The design team worked to maintain full ADA access to all facilities and integrated the old ADA fishing platform into the ice rink as the main point of entry.

Park Design Awards of Merit ($125,000 to $350,000)City of West Bend Parks, Recreation & Forestry Depart-ment – Regner Park South BridgeRegner Park is the city of West Bend’s oldest and most popular park. Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the park had been virtually untouched for 75 years. The park atten-dance was the lowest it had been in years, and the buildings were falling into extreme disrepair. City budgets were being cut more every year, and the city had to look for other sources to fund renovations and bring people back to the park.

In October 2009, the Regner Rejuvenation Committee was formed, with members from each of the four major service clubs: the Kiwanis Early Risers, the Noon Rotary, the Sunrise Rotary

and the Noon Kiwanis. Their goal was simple: to improve Regner Park and bring people back. Never before had all four service clubs worked together on the same project. Without the efforts of these service groups’ fundraising efforts, none of these projects would have come to fruition.

Fundraising began, and in 2010, the lunch and beverage stands were renovated and renamed the Kiwanis and Rotary conces-sion stands; a new 200-person open-air pavilion was construct-ed; the bandstand was renovated and expanded; and the entire area received new water and sanitary sewer lines, new asphalt pavement and a new lannon stone retaining wall. 2011 saw new restrooms constructed, and the construction of the new Silver Lining Stage, as well as new stormwater sewer construction and additions. Regner Park quickly became extremely popular with everyone. The winter of 2013-2014 saw Enchantment in the Park, a drive- and walk-through holiday light display, move to Regner Park from the Washington County Fairy Park. In order for this move to occur, a new bridge was needed. The proposed route would cross a narrow pedestrian bridge that had to be removed and replaced with a bridge that could handle buses loaded with visitors.

Due to Enchantment coming to Regner Park, the bridge had to be built. Unfortunately, bids for construction came in at over twice the estimated amount and, therefore, over twice our available budget. In less than four months, we needed a bridge in place for vehicles to cross. City staff members stepped up to the plate and were able to construct the bridge in-house, saving the city of West Bend over $100,000. Never in the history of the city had staff members attempted such a large, complicated project. We knew we had the expertise in all of our staff members; we just had to put it together to create the perfect construction team.


Park Design Awards of Merit ($350,001 and Above)City of West Bend Parks, Recreation & Forestry Depart-ment – Lac Lawrann Conservancy Learning CenterLac Lawrann Conservancy has a long, rich history of nature pres-ervation in the city of West Bend. What is now 145 acres began as an 18-acre donation in 1979 by Lawrence and Ann Maurin. Originally, the property was only available to the public during limited hours, and people had to be escorted by volunteers. Now the property boasts year-round nature programs, as well as nature in the classroom programs, field trips, adult educa-tion classes and more. This expansion of use and programming emphasized a growing need for flush restrooms and a year-round building. In 1999, a study was done to determine the feasibility of renovating the barn on-site into a nature center. In 2005, another study was done regarding options for a nature center. In 2006, the decision was made to preserve the barn as a barn and to raise money to build a new nature center just north of the barn. In 2007, the renovations to the barn were complete, and the group turned its focus to the nature center. In 2010, a conceptual design for the nature center was created, and the city was awarded a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship DNR grant for $250,000 toward the new nature center. From 2012 to 2013, the nature center, now renamed the Learning Center, was constructed for $1.2 million, with 93 percent of that coming from grants or donations.

With recent trends of budget cuts in parks and recreation divi-sions across the state and the country, our Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department had to be creative in obtaining funds for construction of the new building. Luckily, the Friends of Lac Lawrann Conservancy is a very dedicated group that is proud of

the Conservancy and its legacy. Through their cre-ative efforts, the money was raised, and Phase I, a 4,800-square-foot building, was completed and dedicated on Earth Day 2013.

Due to the nature of this project being located in a conservancy, there was a huge emphasis on being environmentally sustainable in all aspects of both construction and future maintenance of the building.

The criteria for the annual IMPACT Magazine Author Award is as follows:• The article covered the subject matter

in a creative format• The information in the article had wide

appeal and was timely• The content was well organized and

presented in a reader-friendly format• The article’s position was eloquently

stated, and the committee members all felt that they had learned or became updated on a particular issue or mate-rial that was covered in the article

• The article MUST have been submitted by a current WPRA member

The WPRA IMPACT Magazine Committee reviews the four issues of the current year and makes a determination if the award is

to be presented. If a decision is made to present the award, it will take place at the annual conference at a date and time to be determined.

The articles should be a maximum of 1,000 words, and the photos should be high-resolution photographs at 300 dpi. If possible, photos should be at least 4 inches by 6 inches.

IMPACT magazine deadlines for sub-mission of articles and photographs are as follows:• February 1• April 1• August 1• November 1

Please submit all articles to Steve Thompson at [email protected].

Each year, the WPRA IMPACT Magazine Committee reviews articles submitted by the membership and published in the quarterly publication.

Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association IMPACT Magazine Author Award

2014 WPRA Park Design AwardsPG 16

RFPs and RFQsSeven Steps to aBetter Outcome PG 18

Spring 2015

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WISCONSIN PARK & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

POSITIONING WPRA

INTO THE FUTURE...

18 IMPACT

RFPs and RFQsSeven Steps to a Better Outcomeby Tom Mortensen, RLA, ASLA

In 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard was the first American to go into space and orbit around Earth for 15 minutes in a

Redstone 3 rocket called Freedom 7. After the flight, he said, “It’s a very sobering feel-ing to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.”

Shepard’s statement is no surprise, as some people have preconceived notions that selecting the lowest bidder will not yield a favorable result. However, the fact that the American space program was an overall success, in spite of typically using the lowest bidder, demonstrates that qualifications and an understanding of the client’s needs far outweigh cost. In reality, the success of a project has less to do with using the lowest bidder and more to do with their qualifications and, more impor-tantly, how they arrived at their fee.

To best determine who can provide the highest-quality service at a fair price, one must take a close look at the selection pro-cess and the most effective way to write a request for proposal (RFP). The process begins with writing an RFP that provides for a comparable review of competing firms.

As a design consultant, I have seen every-thing from well-written, concise RFPs that produce great results to those that lack the organization and detail necessary to gain comparable proposals from respond-ing consultants. The process of writing and issuing RFPs has changed significantly over the years. In an effort to perfect the process of obtaining a fair price for a specific expectation, the overall length, language and content of RFPs have grown in complexity. Add to that the continued pressure to be transparent in the selection process while being responsible with the buying power, and it’s no wonder that writ-ing, deciphering and responding to RFPs has become an art in itself. If you’re new to the game, it can seem quite daunting at first.

Following are seven key steps for writing an effective RFP and getting the fair results you want.

Step 1: Decide whether you want to issue a request for proposal (RFP) or a request for qualifications (RFQ). An RFP and an RFQ each have their own pros and cons, depending on whether they are issued to a preselected list of consultants or are made available to all interested consultants. The RFP typically asks the consultant to provide a scope of services and fee based on the content of the request. The RFP may yield a larger pool of consultants to select from but may not always be the most efficient pro-cess. The RFQ narrows the field to a short list of qualified consultants but typically does not request a design fee estimate. Professional fees are negotiated after the selection has been made.

Step 2: Be prepared to meet with consul-tants who are interested in submitting a proposal or their statement of qualifica-tions (SOQ). An initial face-to-face meeting and an informative project walkthrough are critical to the accurate preparation of a pro-posal or SOQ. While this requires additional time and effort, it can be very beneficial for both parties. The consultant gains a clearer picture of what you are looking for, and you are able to gain a perspective and develop a rapport with the potential consultant. Suc-cessful projects are almost always based on good communication, and these initial meetings can help both you and the consul-tant get a better feel for each other’s style, expertise and personality.

Step 3: Write clear, concise project descriptions. The importance of writing a clear and concise project description can-not be overstated. Clearly define the project scope up front, including a logical project sequence and expectations, and identify specific deliverables. These are key steps in obtaining comparable proposals that have been prepared by consultants who have a similar understanding and close

interpretation of the request for scope and fees. An RFP that does not clearly articulate the project’s scope and anticipated deliv-erables may trigger endless phone calls and requests for additional information, or it may simply prevent consultants from responding. An unclear scope may also result in change orders after the project has been awarded.

A pitfall to avoid is writing an RFP with unrealistic expectations, including services and deliverables that cannot be completed within your desired schedule and budget. The “give us everything” approach can be confusing for consultants and again has the potential to produce proposals that cannot be fairly compared. When preparing an RFP or an RFQ, it may be beneficial to research similar projects and compare the scope of services with the design and construction costs. Look for similar projects that have been completed in other communities in the region, and contact your colleagues who managed those projects. They may be able to offer you some insight on the level of effort and the outcome.

Step 4: Inform the consultants as to what individuals are on the selection committee. If the RFP is issued by a parks director, a department of public works or a stakeholder committee chairperson, it should be made clear to the consultants who the decision-makers will be so they can prepare their proposals accordingly. This is important because it can affect how the proposal is written and how the past project experience is presented. If the selection process involves an interview, it is critical that the selection committee has read all the proposals thoroughly prior to the interview so they can be prepared to ask specific questions pertaining to scope, approach and experience.

Step 5: Make sure you are not paying for more or less than what is needed for a successful outcome. In today’s challeng-ing economy, shrinking budgets and close

financial scrutiny are expected. However, a well-written, clearly defined RFP can ensure the project deliverable meets your specific needs and that you are not paying for more or less than what is needed for a success-ful outcome. A well-thought-out RFP also avoids the possibility of additional time and expense for activities that should have been anticipated at the project’s onset.

Selections are often made based on a price that is justified by perceived experience. As consultants, we know that many of the selections for a project are ultimately made by committees that we have never had the opportunity to meet but who are obligated to spend money wisely and make the best choice. We recognize the increasing empha-sis placed on price and therefore focus our efforts on how to deliver the desired scope for a reasonable fee.

Step 6: Prepare consultants for the inter-view process. Communicating specific expectations to consultants in advance of an interview ensures that they will be well prepared to answer your questions, and you will be able to make a sound decision. Pro-viding consultants with a list of questions and the presentation format in advance of the interview can help facilitate the pro-cess. The interview gives all participants the opportunity to clarify scope, define the roles of the team, establish communication protocols and reiterate the approach so that the project gets off on the right foot.

Step 7: Provide honest feedback to reject-ed consultants. A rejection provides an opportunity for the consultant to contact you and get your honest feedback on how the selection was made and where the con-sultant’s proposal fell short. This is invalu-able information for a consultant. If you can make the time to offer honest, constructive feedback, it can be mutually beneficial, as the consultant will be better prepared the next time you issue an RFP or RFQ and you will receive a proposal or SOQ that more closely matches your needs.

While the steps outlined in this article may seem fairly obvious and you may already have a solid, concise approach that has worked well in the past, these seven steps may give you some ideas for improving your internal processes the next time you issue an RFP or an RFQ.

Author BiographyTom Mortensen has more than 30 years of experi-ence in the landscape architecture, design, consult-ing and construction professions. He has designed and managed a variety of park master planning and construction projects for municipalities throughout the Midwest region.

Shallow-Water BlackoutKnowledge Is the First Step in Prevention!by Terri Olivo, Hartford Parks and Recreation Aquatic and Fitness Supervisor, and Julia Martinson, New London Park and Recreation Assistant Aquatics Manager

“I’ve heard about it, but it’ll never happen in our pool.” Have you or your aquatics center staff ever said this? Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1 there are nearly 4,000 deaths from drowning per year, and an increasing number of those deaths are from shal-low-water blackouts (SWB), yet most park and recreation professionals are still “in the dark” on what exactly shal-low-water blackout is and how it hap-pens. The drowning, and often death, is caused by the loss of consciousness in a swimmer as a result of hypoxia (loss of oxygen in the blood and brain). Common examples of situations leading up to a blackout include a swim team member swimming the length of the pool, or multiple lengths, without breath-ing or children challenging each other to a breath-holding contest during open swim. Seemingly innocent behaviors can lead to unfortunate outcomes. It is a silent killer.

Additionally, some swim coaches, Navy SEALs, aquatic directors and swimmers continue to believe that there is a phys-iological benefit to prolonged breath holding. In preparation for a long period of breath-holding, a swimmer might con-sciously hyperventilate, believing that it increases the oxygen level in the blood. Other swimmers might unknowingly be “hyperventilating” through heavy breath-ing after a strenuous warmup. Any deep breathing exacerbates the danger, as it causes the carbon dioxide in the blood-stream to drop and results in the swim-mer losing consciousness and blacking out. An increase in carbon dioxide in the blood is the human body’s method of triggering another breath. Having a low amount of carbon dioxide thus defeats the functional design of the human body.

The good news is that the American Red Cross, the Y and USA Swimming now ban the practice of hypoxic training.

How do we prevent this from happen-ing at our pools? First, learn more about the science behind shallow-water black-out; and second, identify possible users or behaviors at your facility that may lead up to the action. Aim to elimi-nate any organizational belief: “No one here does that.” The attitude of disbelief actually allows the dangerous behavior to continue.

What additional steps can you take to ensure that your pool users are safe? • Teach your lifeguard staff about

shallow-water blackout. Lifeguards have the tendency to overlook this habit because the swimmer is most likely a young, healthy indi-vidual who seemingly “knows what he or she is doing.”

• Have a focused conversation with your swim coaches about the dangers.

• Teach students in swimming lessons about SWB. Impact swimmers at a young age to prevent them from developing poor training techniques.

• Use signage on the deck, in the pool and in the locker rooms banning breath-holding.

• Follow your own rules, and don’t use the technique.

• Never allow anyone to swim alone.• Visit shallowwaterblackout

prevention.org to read survivor’s stories and the accounts of vic-tims who didn’t survive.

Reference1. Data from 2011. Additional data available at www.cdc.gov/nchs/data _ access/ vitalstatsonline.htm.


20 IMPACT

People belong to associa-tions and organizations

for a wide variety of rea-sons. You may have joined an organization because of a particular hobby or interest, a chance for prestige and recognition, to help your busi-ness, to be with friends who share an interest, or to give something of yourself back to society.

I remember joining the Cub Scouts because my parents believed in Scout-ing, and the Pack 505 Cub Scout master, Helen Johnson, was a wonderful and inspirational leader. I joined Little League because I loved baseball, and I joined the cross-country, track and wrestling athletic teams because I could realize

instant results by winning. I joined church because my parents led my early years to a Christian life, filled with a foundation of faith, fellowship and music.

I joined REI in its formative years because I believed in the co-op for-mat of purchasing camping products. I joined Rotary International because I believed in the organization’s motto of “Service Above Self” and in giving something of myself back to our com-munity and the world.

I played in parks, well, because my par-ents were always telling my brother Bill and me to “take that outside.” We played neighborhood games in our backyards; explored the woods and Dale Creek in Greendale; and discovered woods, streams and wildlife on the Root River and in Whitnall Park. Parks are special places that create fun, healthy living and fond memories.

I bicycled, well, because I loved bicy-cling. And still do. Bicycling was more than fun for me; it was a form of trans-portation four times faster than walking. If we were on time for school, we would walk the 18 to 20 minutes. If we were a little late, we would run the eight to 10 minutes. If we were more than a little late, the bicycle would get us there in about five minutes. The bicycle was my work vehicle too. I had a Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper route with 84 cus-tomers. My green Schwinn single-speed bike was equipped with a front metal basket and two rear baskets to hold the newspapers. If the newspaper was a bulky one, I would fill the baskets first and then strap on a canvas newspaper bag to carry the additional ones.

The Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association has initiated and

brought about positive change and results in our communities and state. These changes ebb

slowly through time, sometimes taking years and years to become apparent to us.

I joined the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association early in my career, influ-enced by mentors and friends such as Jim Kavemeier, Tom Blotz, Gene Park and Augie Revoy, and influenced later in my career by friends Ron Grall, Bill Kols-tad, Mark Schroeder, Dale Shaver, Holly Glainyk, Kelly Valentino, Craig Hoeppner and Scott Jaquish.

I realize that the world of parks has made an impact and a difference in my life these last nearly six decades. Parks and recreation can make a difference in the lives of others, too, and that is why we need to continually share our stories and ideas to advocate for places and opportunities in parks, recreation and urban forestry.

GIVE THE BEST PART OF YOURSELF IN 2015by David P. Burch, PLA, Manager, Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use


GIVE THE BEST PART OF YOURSELF IN 2015

So for what reasons do I support and advocate membership and involvement in WPRA?1. The mission is relevant to my life

and current societal issues. Physical activity and active living are impor-tant to me.

2. I believe in the organization, its goals and objectives, and the people involved.

3. I have some energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and resources to share, and to make a difference.

The Wisconsin Park & Recreation Asso-ciation has initiated and brought about positive change and results in our com-munities and state. These changes ebb slowly through time, sometimes taking years and years to become apparent to us. Yet these changes have affected policies and decisions that result in safer and healthier places for people to be active.

The promotion of active living and healthy communities is something we need to do daily. I grew up with the daily reminder from my parents “to go outside and play.” With the wonderful variety of woods, streams, parks and trails to explore, we used every oppor-

tunity we could to get on our bicycles and explore the world beyond Elstead Avenue. Today, our youth are committed to being “active” in a world of thousands of television channels, nonstop social-media relationships and mobile phone connectivity. Imagine if even 20 percent of that time were spent in the pursuit of healthy and active living opportunities such as enjoying our parks.

In 2015, consider how you can play a role in the success of active and healthy living. You can play this role by being involved with WPRA in the year of celebrating 50 years of this great

association. Share a personal story of why you play, how you play and where you play. You can make a difference in this organization, and this message will continue to ride strong with current and future generations.

The promotion of active living and healthy

communities is something that we need to do daily.

The steps you can take are easy.1. Become a member.2. Contribute your time and resources.3. Be active by attending and volun-

teering for events throughout the year.

4. Attend and participate in the seminars, tours and conferences to increase your knowledge and rela-tionships in the state.

5. Promote membership to others. Invite someone, and give the gift of an annual membership.

In 2015, give the best part of yourself to the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Asso-ciation.

General Assembly SpeakerWhat’s in Store for the Park and Recreation Profession?

Barbara Tulipane, President and Chief Executive Officer, NRPA

The 2015 WPRA Conference Committee is thrilled to announce that Barbara Tulipane will be our General Assembly speaker. As presi-dent and CEO, Barbara Tulipane is responsible for developing strategic partnerships; building organizational capacity; and overseeing national policy and advocacy efforts related

to parks, recreation and conservation. She devotes her time to understanding the many needs and challenges within the field, and getting to know NRPA’s diverse constituencies.

Before joining NRPA in 2008, Tulipane served as president and CEO of the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), an

international association representing television and online retailers. She also served as vice president of operations for NATSO, Inc., a national trade association representing travel center owners and operators. Tulipane received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and marketing from the University of Arizona and her master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University. She is also a certified association executive (CAE) and a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Senior Executive Fellows program.

Tulipane will be providing her unique insight and perspective into what she feels the future of parks and recreation will be as a profession as both WPRA and NRPA approach their next anniversary milestone.

On Wednesday, September 16, we will initiate WPRA’s 50-year anniversary by hosting the first Annual Community Park & Recreation Facility Tour and step into history. Racine by the Lake, will begin the activities with a tour of the Wind Point Lighthouse. The 1880 lighthouse is the biggest number “one” in Racine County.

The city of Racine PRCS includes a total of 106 park facilities includ-ing three golf courses, two active cemeteries, an art museum, a zoo, 2 miles of Blue Wave-awarded Lake Michigan beach, 7 miles of riverfront, boat launches, a bike path, a DNR fish weir, a splashpad/water attraction and five commu-

nity centers. Aquatics, recreation, parks and forestry — we have it all!

The Community Park & Recreation Tour in Racine will be a bus and walking tour with something for everyone. As the first annual com-munity tour, we will be highlighting some important aquatics, recre-ation, parks and forestry-themed Racine “firsts.” These firsts have positioned Racine PRCS in a “league of our own.” We highly recommend plagiarizing our ideas, designs and programs!

Thursday’s social event will be hosted in the park that was the setting for the movie A League of Their Own.

The Inaugural Wisconsin Park & RecreationCommunity Park & Recreation Facility Tour!

We all have toiled extensively over the year to ensure our community’s leisure services have been successful. WPRA and the City of Racine Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PRCS) Department have reserved September 16-18 to tour the city of Racine’s park system and offer food, fun and socialization with your WPRA friends.

The City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Welcomes...

ATTEND THE SPRING WORKSHOP TO SEE A SHORT PRESENTATION OF WHAT THIS TOUR WILL INCLUDE.

DATES: September 16-18

WHERE: City of Racine, Wisconsin

WHO: City of Racine Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department

CONTACT: Robert Rafel at (262) 636-9135 or [email protected]

HOTEL: Radisson Hotel Racine Harbourwalk

223 Gaslight Circle Racine, WI 53403

RACINE BY THE LAKE IS WHERE TO BE SEPTEMBER 16-18!

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The Inaugural Wisconsin Park & RecreationCommunity Park & Recreation Facility Tour!

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Be active. Many associations are run by just a small handful of people, many of whom also juggle full-time jobs. This means they’re thrilled for any assistance, particularly from a motivated professional. Consider vol-unteering for a task that will help build your experience (writing an article for a newsletter, serving on a committee, assisting with workshop registration), then put this on your résumé as expe-rience in your field.

If you can’t commit to an ongoing task, volunteer for a position in which you’ll meet the most association members — work the registration table at a big event, or make fundraising phone calls.

Leverage the role. It’s perfectly acceptable — encouraged, in fact — to list volunteer work on your résumé. Hiring managers look for meaningful volunteer experience and a true connection to your line of work when making decisions. Don’t be shy about touting what you’ve done with an influential group in field.

My Best to You in Parks and Recre-ation!

Editor’s Letter, continued from page 3 President 's Letter, continued from page 7

The WPRA office also continues to solicit and obtain additional sponsor-ships to offset expenses for the state association. In addition to all of the sponsors that subsidize the Annual Conference and Trade Show, the state office solicits and obtains sponsors for the membership sections to assist them with educational offerings (e.g., the Summer Park Tour and the Spring Workshop). A special 50th Anniversary Endorsement/Sponsorship campaign has been developed in our attempt to obtain financial support to offset pro-motional activities during our golden anniversary year.

Under the leadership of Steve Scharrer, president of the WPRA Foundation, Inc., the state association has also greatly benefited by their financial sup-port of the Annual Conference (keynote speaker), their support of the annual Leadership Academy (main sponsor), their support of the Summer Leader-ship Workshop (main speaker[s]), and their support of students attending the Annual Conference (student scholar-ships). The WPRA Board and mem-bership need to actively support the WPRA Foundation by their financial support and attendance at their annual social event and the annual Scholarship Golf Outing.

Other: WPRA remains one of the most viable and successful state park and recreation associations in the nation. We are recognized as the leader in national advocacy efforts in the distribution and response to legis-lative alerts. We are recognized as the leader in the design of the nation’s most comprehensive website for park and recreation professionals. We are the leader in providing innovative edu-cational services (e.g., the Leadership Academy), and we are the leader in providing the most professional and comprehensive quarterly park and recreation magazine.

WPRA has a great deal to be proud of, but we need to be aware of the changes that have been thrust upon the entire park and recreation indus-try due to the struggling economy. We must remain innovative in our technology and methods of getting work accomplished in as timely and cost-effective means as possible while minimizing any adverse impact to membership services.

WPRA is a “membership association,” and only through the support and commitment of our members will our state association meet these chal-lenges and thrive in the future.

“Energizing, humorous, inspiring keynote speak-er!” — Kim DeJean, Merck

As a motivational keynote speaker, Jody has been presenting her motivational speeches around the world for over 13 years. She is passion-ate about spreading the message of fun and meaningful work.

She addresses over 50 organizations and asso-ciations annually and is one of Canada’s top female motivational keynote speakers. Read “Motivational Speeches That Resonate with

Your Audience” at www.idoinspire.com/blog/bid/92180/Motivational-Speeches-that-Resonate-with-your-Audience.

Jody wrote the book All Work & No SAY. Her mission in writing, as in motivational speaking, is to help individuals and organizations derive more meaning and deeper satisfaction from their work.

Look for more information on this dynamic speaker who will be doing the 2015 Annual Conference Keynote and a breakout session in the near future!

FUNNY MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERJody Urquhart, 2015 WPRA KeynoteThought-Provoking, Funny, Motivational Keynote Speaker

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PRST STDUS POSTAGE

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