IPRA Today
Illinois Park and Recreation
NEWS YOU CAN USE
In a related and surprising step, DOJ also released an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding exercise equipment and accessible golf cars. These issues have been in discussion for decades and their release in an ANPRM is significant. The Old Regulation The "old" regulation, published July 26, 1991, is now amended. IPRA members know the old requirements as the Title II regulation. Included here are key points of the new regulation for states, counties, cities, park districts, school districts, townships and other forms of local government. It also talks briefly about the ANPRM. When are the new regulations effective? As we saw in 1991, the DOJ believes states and local governments need time to digest the new regulations. Therefore, they become effective six months after publication in the Federal Register, or sometime in very late January or early February of 2011. Design and construction requirements become effective one year later, in January or February of 2012. What new requirements are in the regulation? There are several new requirements, many of which have been in the works since 1993. The new requirements address design and construction in the 2010 Standard, as well as policy. From a design and construction perspective, some of the anticipated recreation design requirements are now final and enforceable. These include requirements for boating and fishing areas, playgrounds, fitness centers, golf courses, swimming pools, shooting ranges, bowling alleys and miniature golf. For more information about these requirements, see articles at www.rac-llc.com starting in late August 2010. The grafting of the recreation requirements onto the 1991 requirements (known as ADAAG) is accomplished by amending section 35.151 of the Title II regulation. In response to comments, DOJ acknowledged that a six-month period to learn the 2010 Standard is too short. It therefore allows 18 months from the date the new regulation is published in the Federal Register. That means new construction must adhere to the new 2010 Standard as of late January 2012. Regarding typical building elements, the U.S. Access Board has reformatted old ADAAG and made it into a more user-friendly and technologically current standard. This 2010 Standard must be followed in regards to design and construction. From a policy perspective, there are several new requirements. These include a requirement for power-driven mobility devices, such as Segways. States and local governments cannot flatly prohibit their use and are required to adopt policies regarding limitations on their use. Other requirements relate to service animals and clarify the restrictions a Title II entity can place on same, and also permit the barring of certain aggressive species as service animals. Another new area is extensive discussion about ticketing of accessible seats in performance venues operated by states and local governments. These address basic sales, transfers, release of tickets and more. Finally, some clarification is available regarding the treatment of existing recreation facilities under the old "program access" test. Are any of the old requirements eliminated? Yes ... sort of. DOJ made a point of reaffirming its satisfaction with some of the old requirements, including the program access test. But some change did occur. For example, in the 1991 Title II regulation every administrative complaint filed with a designated federal agency (Interior, Education, etc) was required to be investigated. DOJ now reports that due to the volume of complaints, investigating every complaint would have a "deleterious" impact on enforcement. The new enforcement provisions at 35.172 give designated federal agencies such as the Department of Interior some discretion in deciding which complaints against a park district it will investigate. DOJ reaffirmed its intention to be aggressive about enforcement. And remember that this is a Department of Justice Civil Rights Division that saw an 18-percent budget increase this year and added 102 new employees. Are we done? The answer here is a resounding NO! Design requirements for campsites, picnic areas, trails, trailheads, beaches and viewing areas remain to be completed by the Access Board and adopted by the Department of Justice. There is talk of a separate requirement for multi-user trails as well. And to the ANPRM mentioned earlier, accessible exercise equipment and accessible golf cars are very old issues that were never addressed. To see the entire ANPRM, go to www.ada.gov/anprm2010/equipment_anprm_2010.htm. The comment period here is 180 days (around the end of January 2011) and the interesting aspect is that the ANPRM questions address equipment and movable pieces, not just the built environment. In this writer’s opinion, this is consistent with the original intent of the ADA. IPRA members should have definite opinions about how to answer questions 12 and 13 regarding exercise equipment, and 14 and 15 regarding accessible golf cars. Bear in mind the typical idea-to-NPRM-to-public comment-to-final regulation timeframe is 5-10 years. If your agency has beaches, trails, campsites, picnic areas and golf, prepare to comment. And if your agency has fitness facilities or golf courses, start preparing comments now. This might make an excellent joint assignment for the Facility Management Section, Recreation Section, Therapeutic Recreation Section and Parks and Natural Resource Management Section. May I have some politics please? The release of the final regs responds to a 2008 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which followed a 2004 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). In the opinion of this writer, there should be no surprises here. The DOJ release adopts with virtually no exceptions the earlier work of the Access Board (playgrounds in 2000, other recreation facilities in 2002 and a revised and reformatted ADAAG in 2004). In 2008, a more conservative presidential administration issued the NPRM. It posed some questions that made it appear a watering-down of ADA requirements was the likely outcome. However, with change in the White House, the proposed final regulation drafted after the 2008 NPRM was withdrawn days after the new president was inaugurated. Draw your own conclusions. What is clear is that in 2008 a more conservative path was set, only to be changed months later after a new president was elected. Details, I want details! With the National Recreation and Parks Association, our firm will conduct webinars on Sept. 2, 16 and 30. To attend these webinars, visit www.nrpa.org. To arrange your own training, in person or via webinar, contact Beth Ham at beth.alexander@wtengineering.com or at 224/293-6362. How can we track this? Go to www.ada.gov and click on the link at the center of the screen to receive updates. You’ll be e-mailed when there are new proposed regulations, new settlement agreements, new technical assistance papers and more. How can we implement this? Assign someone on staff to follow, interpret and navigate through these changes. Or reach an expert in the field. Find someone with experience on an access board committee or someone who has trained DOJ enforcement staff or worked closely with other entities that enforce access and inclusion requirements or has service delivery experience. Conclusion Since 1993, public entities have known these guidelines would become regulations. That day has come. Do not be tardy in learning and, most importantly, implementing these new regulations. We expect movement by the state of Illinois, as the Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC) was certified equal or more stringent than the 1991 ADAAG. That must be re-evaluated and the state will likely add the recreation requirements to the IAC. Don’t forget the policy changes ... tickets, service animals and power-driven mobility devices are now on your plate. The policy changes are just as important as the new design and construction requirements. Finally, pay attention to the ANPRM questions. These are significant and will have a big impact on recreation and special recreation providers. Three great resources are DOJ at 202/514-0301 or www.ada.gov, the US Access Board at 202/272-0080 or www.access-board.gov and Recreation Accessibility Consultants LLC at 224/293-6451 or john.mcgovern@rac-llc.com. - Submitted by John N. McGovern, J.D. Rain barrels are 55-gallon plastic drums previously used to transport fruit juices, vegetable oils, pickles, etc. They’ve been outfitted with a spigot, overflow valve, mesh screen on top to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and a lid allowing rainwater to flow in from a downspout. Attached to any downspout, these barrels collect rainwater off your roof that can be used for watering your garden/lawn or washing your car. Using rainwater for these purposes reduces the amount of drinking water you pay for and reduces storm water that drains into sewer systems in many of our communities - thus reducing the amount of mingled storm water and sewage we pay to treat. Every little bit helps. Capturing rainwater and using it so it replenishes our underground water supplies is smart. Good for nature and good for people. Resources: "Just one incident is one too many," said Inez M. Tenenbaum, chairman of the CPSC. "These statistics are a wake-up call and a reminder that these tragic incidents are preventable. Our kids safety program is designed to teach parents and children simple water safety steps so that everyone will Pool Safely this summer. " The educational video highlights individual experiences and uses seven simple Pool Safely steps to encourage safe and responsible behavior in and around pools and spas. It is introduced by actress Ming-Na, the voice of Mulan in Disney animated films and star of the NBC drama "ER." The video series is available to view at www.youtube.com/poolsafely and on the websites of Safe Kids (www.safekids.org) and the NDPA (www.ndpa.org). The new Pool Safely interactive online activity is designed for parents and young children. It highlights unsafe behaviors around the pool in a variety of real-world settings such as backyard, hotel and community pools. Game players are encouraged to identify the trouble spots and behaviors. The online activity is aimed at children 7 and under and will be available for play on the Pool Safely website and on the websites of the NDPA and Safe Kids. "Safe Kids is proud to work with the CPSC on the creation of a kids safety education program," said Mitch Stoller, president and CEO, Safe Kids Worldwide. "Children and families can learn valuable water safety messages – that may ultimately help save a life – through a new online activity and educational videos made possible by the Pool Safely campaign." "The NDPA is proud to be a Pool Safely Campaign Safety Partner," said Kristin Goffman, founding board member and executive director of NDPA. "Our members are dedicated drowning prevention and water safety advocates who will be able to use the educational video and Pool Safely campaign materials to help families learn how to prevent the needless tragedy of child drownings. We are excited to work with the CPSC and the other campaign partners to spark a national conversation about how we can all help keep kids safe around pools and spas." "I fully support the new Pool Safely campaign and the efforts to increase public awareness about preventing drowning deaths and injuries," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. "Harris County residents should visit the Pool Safely website and review the water safety tips with their children before heading out to the pool. A little time spent online can possibly make a life-saving difference in the water." The Pool Safely campaign is CPSC’s national information and education program associated with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act). The Pool Safely campaign is designed to raise public awareness, support industry compliance with safety standards and improve safety at pools and spas. The campaign was launched in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. prior to Memorial Day. Last month, the Pool Safely campaign released a series of public service announcements that remind the American public how to stay safe in and around pools and spas. They can be viewed by visiting www.youtube.com/poolsafely. About Safe Kids USA (www.safekids.org) Safe Kids USA is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. More than 600 coalitions in 19 countries bring together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families. About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) (www.ndpa.org) The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement of drowning prevention efforts at the national and community levels and exists to be a catalyst in drowning prevention. The NDPA recognizes drowning is a complex public health issue, requiring a multi-faceted approach. The NDPA’s board of directors and Advisory Council guide the organization toward the goal of reducing drowning through educational programming and materials and through involvement in and support of research, data, and water safety-related legislative efforts. The members of the NDPA include individuals, organizations, government agencies, policy makers, corporations and family members who have lost loved ones to drowning. The NDPA serves as a premier resource for the public and professionals for the prevention of drowning and acts as a central source of information and referral on research, data, education, policy and promotion of drowning prevention. The NDPA’s JADES Network (Journey After a Drowning Experience Support) provides an element of family support through peer interaction. As an alliance, the NDPA brings together like-minded organizations, individuals and agencies who believe that Drowning IS Preventable, and that working together, we can make a difference. About CPSC CPSC is an independent federal regulatory agency created by Congress in 1972 "to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products." The Pool Safely campaign is proud to partner with leading organizations, including American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, Safe Kids USA, National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), Home Safety Council, World Waterpark Association (WWA) and Abbey's Hope. For more information, visit the website at www.poolsafely.gov and follow the campaign on Twitter @poolsafely. Recent News Coverage re: Pool Safety... PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Event Date: Aug. 31, 10-11 a.m. Speaker: David M Patt, CAE, Executive Director of the Association of Running Events Directors David M Patt is executive director of the Association of Running Events Directors, providing information and training to parks and recreation professionals and to other paid and volunteer race organizers. He served 15 years as CEO of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), producing the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle - America’s largest 8K race - administrating a metropolitan circuit of local running events and recruiting corporate sponsors. A runner and veteran association executive, he also provides organizational assistance to membership associations and other not-for-profit organizations. Date: Sept. 21, 10-11 a.m. Learning Outcomes: Participants will be provided information relating to recreation programming lifecycles and will receive a listing of all necessary attributes involved in programming, such as standards, marketing support and aligning programs with community needs. Speakers: Barbara Heller, Principal Consultant, PROS Consulting & Neelay Bhatt, Senior Consultant, PROS Consulting IPRA members interested in hosting a webinar in their area of expertise can contact Heather Weishaar. We're always on the lookout for new topics!
Join us for a full-day educational event for therapeutic recreation professionals. Sessions include internal customer service, CTRS study sessions, sucession planning, Special Olympic coaching and more! Full-day registration includes three sessions, 0.3 CEUs, lunch, social and two games of TopGolf. Half-day registration includes two sessions, 0.2 CEUs, social and two games of TopGolf. Supervisor Symposium is back and better than ever! Join us at the Bartlett Park District for two days of educational sessions and professional connections. Session details and schedule coming soon... Click here for online registration! 0.5 CEUs per day CALENDAR/UPCOMING EVENTS
This year's speaker is John McGovern from Recreation Accessibility Consultants, who will discuss the benefits of making recreation more accessible to people with disabilities. Events: 9-10:30 a.m. ITRA Meeting 10:45-11:15 a.m. John McGovern Presentation 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch at the Ashbury Restaraunt 1 1 p.m. Tee-off 2010 SPRA Golf Outing will be held Aug. 26 at the White Pines Golf Course. Fee is $60 for SPRA members and $65 for non-members. Fee includes 18-hole scramble with cart, lunch and awards. Registration deadline is Aug. 20. For more information, contact Dean Hoskin at 630-766-7015. Join the Administrative & Finance Section for a great day of networking and golf. This outing is designed for golfers of all abilities in a scramble format. Registration fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, outing awards, hole contests, door prizes, lunch and steak dinner. The Village Greens of Woodridge Golf Course is conveniently located near I-355, I-88 and I-55. Golfers find the Village Greens’ tree-lined fairways and golfer-friendly atmosphere an ideal layout. The course features 6,638 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72 and has a course rating of 71.2 with a slope of 121. Fairways are blue grass with bent grass tees and greens. Village Greens of Woodridge Golf Course first opened in 1959, was purchased by the village in 1963 and has been managed by the Woodridge Park District since 1996. Rated Best Value for Golf in Chicago, the course hosts more than 90 outings annually. The staff at the course believes the tree-lined holes and water features provide for a rewarding and peaceful golf experience for golfers of all levels of play. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, SEPT. 13 Thank you to our sponsors! Save the date for the third annual Fall Connection in Peoria. Do not miss this fantastic networking and professional development opportunity. Contact LoriKay Paden for additional information. The ISEN Convention provides regional event planners with insight into the latest trends in festival and event planning, discussions of social media strategies, marketing and sponsorship of festivals, fairs, carnivals and special events. Top festival and event planners from across the U.S. are featured in breakout sessions, discussing topics appealing to planners involved in every stage of festival and event planning. IPRA members can earn up to .8 continuing education units. On Wednesday, Nov. 3, a Vendor Expo from 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. features providers of the elements necessary to stage a successful festival, including musical acts, pyrotechnic and amusement companies, insurance providers, audio/visual companies, portable restroom companies and much more. There is also ample time for planners and vendors to exchange information, strategies and ideas on festival and event planning and production. From 3:30-6:30 p.m., an Entertainment Showcase features entertainers and musicians demonstrating their crafts (and available for booking) while attendees enjoy food and refreshments. The Illinois Special Events Network State Convention also includes a luncheon with presentation of The Skyscraper Awards for best print brochures, advertising materials and festival T-shirt designs promoting Illinois events. "The ISEN state convention is recognized as one of the best educational workshops in the festivals and events industry," said Kim Kislowski, marketing manager for the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau and organizer of the event. CONFERENCE
The Illinois Park & Recreation Foundation (IPRF) provides resources to park and recreation agencies and professionals state-wide through promoting the health and well-being of Illinois’ citizens, increasing the community-building impact of parks and recreation, enhancing the quality of life among Illinois residents and expanding the positive impact of parks and recreation on local economies in Illinois communities. You can help us reach our fundraising goal by donating a gift or service to our Silent Auction 2011. All donations are tax deductible - IPRF is a 501-C-3 organization - and we will also accept monetary gifts. More than 4,500 park and recreation professionals, commissioners and exhibitors will have the opportunity to bid on your donation at the conference. Please complete and return a donation form by Nov. 12. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Heather Weishaar at 630.376.1911x202 or heather@ilipra.org. JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Job Title: Community Relations Coordinator Job Title: Park Specialist - Year Round Part Time Job Title: Director of Recreation Job Title: Park Specialist II Job Title: Graphic Designer - Part Time Job Title: Banquet Manager Job Title: Director of Parks and Recreation SECTION/COMMITTEE INFO
Please join the A&F Section Board and committee representatives at our Aug. 20 meeting at the Elk Grove Park District, 1000 Wellington Ave. The meeting will begin at 10:30 in the in the Garden Terrace Room and is expected to last 60 to 90 minutes. If you are an A&F Section member and would like to become more involved with the section, we are recruiting volunteers to serve on the A&F Section Membership Committee. If you have any questions about attending the August meeting or volunteering for the membership committee, please contact Marla Pineiro at marlap@vhparkdistrict.org or 847-996-6932. Event Date: Aug. 20, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Carol Stream Park District, 849 W. Lies, Carol Stream Contact: Ryan Jastrzab, CPRP, 630-773-2257 The IPRA Health & Wellness Committee was created to identify key health & wellness issues affecting our profession. Upon investigating the best routes to accomplish this, we determined our focus needed to start with the professionals in the field. The committee found it critical to help agencies to identify and achieve a high level of health and wellness for employees and to recognize their achievements. As a result, the No Employee Left Behind (NELB) award was created. The award is comprised of six components for which criteria have been developed: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, environmental and spiritual. Applying agencies will receive standards and compliance guidelines, with the awards being presented at the annual meeting on the Friday evening of the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Annual Conference. Click here for the NELB Application |
