Gadgets Workshop Session
One of the most anticipated and highly attended sessions of the Institute has been the Gadgets Workshop session. This workshop was created to essentially “Show and Tell” what park technicians and professionals in the field have invented or created to use as a tool to perform their job or solve a recurring problem. A variety of inexpensive ideas that attendees use to make jobs easier and quicker have been presented at this workshop over the years.
To be able to do this presentation each year requires participation from as many agencies as possible. Participation can involve one idea or several; it can be as short as a few minutes to a twenty-minute video or PowerPoint presentation. We also strongly encourage you to bringing the gadget in to share with other attendees at the workshop session.
Agencies and park personnel are invited to submit a gadget to be presented at the 2008 GLPTI Gadgets Workshop session. Repeat presentations from all agencies and park personnel are invited every year.
If you would like to present a gadget at this session please contact the Gadget Session coordinating chair:
Richard Sobecki
Lower Huron Metropark
Phone: 734-697-9181
Email: richard.sobecki@metroparks.com
Fax: 734-697-1384
GLPTI has been successful because of the involvement of its participants. Consider adding to this successful legacy by submitting a gadget at the 2008 Institute.
| Year | Gadget | Winner |
| 1993 (1st Yr.) | RUBBERIZED PLAY SURFACE | James Roach Bloomington P&R Dept. IN. |
| 1994 | SKI BOOT DRYER | Mike Wilhite Independent Oaks County Parks Dept. Clarksville, Michigan |
| 1995 | DREAM HORSE | Bill Brauer Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Glen Ellyn, IL. |
| 1996 | GARBAGE CAN LID FASTENER | Thomas Filbert FASTENER Ohio DNR---Columbus, Ohio |
| 1997 | SKI BOOT DRYER | Mike Wilhite Oakland County Parks & Rec Waterford, Michigan |
| 1998 | BOAT JACK for boat removal at dock) |
William Gunn HCMA-Kensington Park Milford, Michigan |
| 1999 | VEHICLE & TRAILER Wiring & light tester |
Cliff Morrison Metro Parks serving Summit County Akron, Ohio |
| 2000 | STRING TRIMMER REPAIR STAND | Cliff Morrison Metro Parks serving Summit County Akron, Ohio |
| 2001 | GOOSE POOP CLEANER CPC | Rod Brulsus & Dennis Behnke City of Oshkosh Park Department Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
| 2002 | CHAIN SAW BACK PACK & FIRST AID KIT | Cliff Morrison Metro Parks serving Summit County Akron, Ohio |
| 2003 | ALL WEATHER CAB FOR ZTR (Shop fabricated) | Eric Lacher Batavia Park Dist. Batavia, IL. |
| 2004 | PICNIC TABLE DOLLY | Dan Caraher Deerfield Park Dist. Deerfield, IL. |
| 2005 | TRASH CAN CART (adapter to 2 wheel truck) | John Greene Deerfield Park Dist. Deerfield, IL. |
| 2006 | HAY RACK TILT DOWN STAIRS | Glen Hussey Woodridge Park Dist. Woodridge, IL |
| 2007 | SOCCER GOAL MOVER DRAG UNIT (Dolly) |
John Greene Deerfield Park Dist. Deerfield, IL. |