8:15 a.m. - Connecting Kids & Nature: “No Child Left Inside”
The advancement of technology, while beneficial in many respects, has also done harm to our nation’s children. Today’s kids are stuck indoors, plugged into cable TV, computers, and video games. The health and wellbeing of our children are deteriorating at alarming rates. This session will teach you how to reconnect children with the great outdoors by developing initiatives and involving families.
Fran Maniella, Former NPS Director, Visiting Scholar, Clemson University
10:00 am and 1:00 p.m. - Proper Tree Removal and Pruning Techniques
A two-part session, tree removal will be presented in the morning session and pruning techniques at the afternoon session. Participants will learn hands-on pruning techniques for trees and shrubs as well as three removal aerial climbing methods and safety associated with them.
Frank Prater, Park Maintenance Worker, Summit Metro Parks
Sue, Mottl, Landscape Arborist, City of Stow
10:00 am and 1:00 p.m - Secrets of the Workplace- Rumor Control
Rumors are started by inaccurate information spreading through communication channels. Often times the information contains serious inaccuracies that are likely to start or escalate conflicts. Workplace rumors can slow performance, decrease morale, sow distrust, and create an uncomfortable working environment. This session will discuss how to properly prevent, and dispel rumors.
Christy McCormick, Project Coordinator, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands
Amy Lorek, Lecture, Department of Recreation Parks and Tourism Studies, Indiana University
10:00 am and 1:00 p.m. - Virtual Marketing
The central issue for maximizing the Internet for your park or recreation department is to understand the push-versus-pull marketing concept. This session will discuss this unique marketing concept and how you can develop a push-and-pull campaign to ensure both retention and continued response from community residents.
Jim Parham, Executive Vice President, Hirons and Company
10:00 am and 1:00 p.m. - The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing
Outsourcing jobs to contracting vendors is a controversial matter in any profession. It promises cost savings and administrative efficiencies, but it is no substitute for having a well-trained staff in house. This session will examine key concepts and benefits of outsourcing in parks and recreation and the repercussions outsourcing may have on your department.
John Hunter, Assistant Chief, Ohio State Parks
Jim and Carmen Rogers, Operating Management Team, contractors with the Missouri State Parks
3:30 p.m. - Deviant Behavior in Parks and Recreation
Crime in parks and recreation facilities is associated with how often people patronize the park and recreation facility and how comfortable they are when they are there. Visitors’ perception of crime versus the actual number and types of crimes committed will also affect how visitors perceive the area. This session will discuss how you can protect the quality of park and recreational opportunities by providing a safe, healthy, and enjoyable environment.
Bob Dorinsky, Law Enforcement Administrator, Ohio State Parks