How parks and rec can gain from corporate partnerships | Neb. city relents on ramps, may open permanent skate park | Colo. region adds "social space" for esports
Recreation and park agencies in cities across the US are sharing success stories from corporate partnerships. Sponsorships, volunteer time and matching donations are three ways corporations can help, writes Executive Director Maura Lout of the Central Park Conservancy's Institute for Urban Parks.
Skateboarders in Omaha, Neb., can use temporary ramps in Lynch Park after the city removed homemade ramps, sparking criticism from famous skateboarder Tony Hawk and others. City officials will consider a permanent skate park in South Omaha.
The South Suburban Parks and Recreation District in Colorado is opening a dedicated space for esports next week that will host camps and after-school programs. "It's really important to get kids out of the house into a social space playing games rather than by themselves, because there's a lot more to be learned from video games in a social setting versus playing at home by yourself," says esports program coordinator Chris Curtis.
Boise, Idaho, is building two parks, including one downtown, that officials hope to have finished this year. The second park will develop 3 acres of a 25-acre property.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging pediatricians to write children prescriptions for physical activity, saying it can help in the treatment of conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obesity. "Even going out for a walk for 15 or 20 minutes is a step in the right direction," says Dr. David Fagan, who was not involved in the recommendations.
Children who have a sense of connection with nature report higher levels of happiness and also exhibit altruism, care for the environment and beliefs in equality among people, according to a study of Mexican children published in Frontiers in Psychology. "[D]epending on the environmental education received, their connection with nature, environmental awareness and environmental values are the future of the environment, too," said lead author Laura Barrera-Hernandez.
Middle-school students in the Round Rock Independent School District in Texas are working with city of Austin officials to make sure parks are accessible to all. The students use a city app to take pictures of trails and report issues.
The City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., has adopted a written policy on naming city parks. People, organizations or endowments that contribute at least 51% of the cost of buying, developing or maintaining a trail, park or recreation facility are eligible to have sites named after them.
Mecca, Calif., will receive more than $5.8 million in state grants to build a nearly 7-acre regional park. The city of Calexico and the Heber Public Utilities District also received park grants from the state.
Employees are more likely to work hard and be creative for bosses who embody a "servant heart," offer validation and respect, and hold people accountable, says S. Chris Edmonds in this blog post and video. "Embrace all of these traits at once and build a healthy, vibrant, effective work culture," he says.
The White House recently released its FY2021 budget request, but unfortunately, it once again included several unnecessary cuts, or even complete elimination, of federal programs that are critical in making local park and recreation projects possible. These cuts and eliminations will hurt local communities and leave park and recreation agencies without critical federal funding for services. You can help by telling Congress to reject these cuts, and we've made it easy for you. We have already pre-drafted the emails to your representatives, all you need to do is enter some basic information to send your message! Take action.
