North Carolina Recreation & Park Association “Changing Lives, Impacting Communities”

2013 Annual Report

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Table of Contents

Leadership Message

2013 NCRPA President | Thurman Hardison

There were a number of items on our plate in 2013; probably the most noteworthy was the completion of the first full year of the new executive director and program coordinator. Michelle and Matt, along with Wanda and Erin formed an excellent “team”, and along with you and the Executive Board, continued to lead the Association in a positive direction.

Our year began on January 10th in Greensboro, reviewing and reinforcing the importance of our recently adopted strategic planning…Awareness-Education-Membership-Advocacy…and assigning “actions” to them. Our year ended with one of the best North Carolina/South Carolina joint parks and recreation conferences of recent memory. In between, there were continued professional relationships developed, more political advocacy, a “bridge” created for practitioners and educators to work closer together (for the benefit of future professionals), our own debit card, and the initial endeavor of an Association comprehensive marketing plan.

These are just a few of the accomplishments that were YOUR contributions; we all have a responsibility to continue to push the Association forward in 2014. Thanks to all of you who served in a formal capacity, as an Executive Board member, chair, chair-elect, or member of one of our many committees.

Thank you all for allowing me to serve as NCRPA President in 2013.

Best Wishes,

Thurman Hardison, 2013 NCRPA President

The North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) is a nonprofit education and advocacy organization, dedicated to the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure profession in North Carolina.

Our Mission

NC Recreation & Park Association 883 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605 Phone: 919-832-5868 Fax: 919-832-3323 Email: info@ncrpa.net www.ncrpa.net www.facebook.com/ncrpa www.twitter.com/ncrpa

Contacting NCRPA

Executive Director | Michelle Wells

As I reflect on 2013 and the accomplishments of our profession and organization, it brings a smile to my face. You continue to offer great programs and facilities in the communities you serve. I offer you a sincere “thank you” because I know you do not hear those two words enough in exchange for the hard work and long hours you give to your

job. For NCRPA, this year was full of education, events and opportunities. I hope you had the chance to be part of some of them. While you are viewing this report, I hope you will smile with me as we reflect on what was a great year and look forward to our future! Always remember – park and recreation professionals are the best!

Sincerely,

Michelle Wells, NCRPA Executive Director

2— Our Mission & Leadership Message

3— Board of Directors, Liaisons & NCRPA Staff

4— 2013 Activities

5— 2013 Activities Cont.

6— Annual Budget Report

7— 2013 Accomplishments

8— Benefits of NCRPA membership

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Board | Committees | Regions | Sections The NCRPA Board of Directors is made up of members, who have been elected or appointed, to help provide oversight and govern the Association while seeking to promote positive change within the park and recreation profession. Committees are important to the continuity of the operations of NCRPA. They represent functions of work that are continuous from year to year and essential to the administration of the Association. Regions facilitate a greater involvement of the Association membership through their proximity to one another. There are currently nine regions, with boundaries corresponding to county lines. Sections facilitate a greater involvement of the Association membership by appealing to their professional interest. There are currently seven sections that represent the various fields within parks and recreation. NCRPA Staff Michelle Wells, Executive Director Wanda Parmlee, Executive Secretary Matt Carusona, Program Coordinator Erin Crouse, Graduate Assistant

Executive Committee

President: Thurman Hardison, New Bern Parks & Recreation 1st Vice President: Stephen Poulos, Watauga County Parks & Recreation 2nd Vice President: Dale Smith, Greensboro Treasurer: Cindi King, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Secretary: Keith Jenkins, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Past President: Lisa Wolf, Burlington Recreation & Parks Executive Director: Michelle Wells, NCRPA

Region Chairs Region 1: Brain Harrell, Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation Region 2: John Albert, Goldsboro Parks & Recreation Region 3: Niel Brooks, Leland Parks & Recreation Region 4: Dan Bagley, Raleigh Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Region 5: Todd Moore, Guilford County Parks & Recreation Region 6: Keron Poteat, Watauga County Parks & Recreation Region 7: Gary Mills, Kannapolis Parks & Recreation Region 8: Carol Stiles, Newton Parks & Recreation Region 9: Casey Conner, Black Mountain Parks & Recreation

Section Chairs Administration: Michael Jaycocks, Huntersville Parks & Recreation Athletics: Jonathan Allen, Clinton Parks & Recreation Commission Board: David Moore, Mount Holly Parks & Recreation Education: Paige Schneider, East Carolina University Park Services: Jim Orr, Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Programs: Jane Smith, Burlington Recreation & Parks Therapeutic: Ann-Marie Strike, Durham Parks & Recreation

Committee Chairs Citations & Awards: Butch Kisiah, Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Conference Selection: Keith Jenkins, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Endowment Program: Allen Oliver, High Point Parks & Recreation Finance: Cindi King, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Legislative: Larry Bailey, Clayton Parks & Recreation Marketing: Karen Brady, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Membership: Stephanie Shaffer, Garner Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources NRPA Legislative Liaison: Erma Deen Hoyle, Lincoln County Parks & Recreation Procedures: Susan Paschal, Clayton Parks & Recreation Professional: Sam Trogdon, Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources

Ad-Hoc Committees

Annual Conference: Kathy Capps, Raleigh Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Nominations and Elections: Lisa Wolf, Burlington Recreation & Parks

Agency Liaisons

NC Senior Games: Brad Allen NC DENR: Lewis Ledford, NC Division of Parks & Recreation Recreation Resources Service: Pete Armstrong

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Board of Directors

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The Statewide Athletics Committee hosted numerous tournaments around the state offering additional competitive playing opportunities to their participants. A total of 240 teams participated during the year. Basketball: 136, Baseball: 43, Softball: 21, Soccer: 32, Football: 8

In March 2013, 83 professionals and students gathered in Cary for the Annual TR Section Conference. Stress management, inexpensive innovative interventions, older adults sensitivity training and time to share ideas with fellow professionals were part of this event. Awards were presented to Diane Groff, Individual TR Service; Niesha Spears, Best Student Intern; Mecklenburg County, Innovative New Program; Kopper Top Life Learning Center, Distinguished TR Department; JoAnn Coco-Ripp, Research Grant; and Ashlei Brown and Lianna Gonzalez, Student Scholarships.

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Athletic Directors Workshop

Statewide Athletic Events (SWAC)

The 2013 Athletic Directors Workshop took place in downtown Asheville. With 87 attendees, 11 vendors and various speakers the workshop continues to grow and evolve as the premier event for recreation athletic professionals in North Carolina. Aaron Davis of Graham was recognized with the Young Professional Award and Mark Halstead of Asheville received the Meritorious Service award.

Citizen Board Member Section The CBM Forum was once again hosted by Greensboro Parks & Recreation. The 62 attendees enjoyed time together to discuss issues they face on a local level and hear presentations on economic development, engaging volunteers, community partnerships and nature play. David Moore from Mount Holly was recognized with the Rayburn “Rip” Jackson Award for outstanding service and Michael Gibson from Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation was presented the Jack “Swede” Frauson Professional Award.

Committees | Regions | Sections

Region 2 hosted Spring and Fall Maintenance workshops in Jacksonville with topics including; Turf and Pesticide Management, Playground Safety and Inspections, Weed and Disease Identification, and Introduction to Walls and Pavers. A Turf Management Field Day was held in Goldsboro where attendees were exposed to new ideas and products available to help increase their turf management skills.

Region 4 was busy in 2013, with multiple workshops and events. In April an Experiential Education Workshop was held in Bahama. In May the region hosted a Field Management and Financial Planning for Athletic Fields Workshop at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Region 4 also hosted an Aquatics Workshop focusing on keys to an successful Adapted Aquatics Program in December at the Triangle Aquatics Center in Cary. Additionally, NCRPA, Region 4 and RRS co-sponsored a Best Practices in Aquatics workshop in Chapel Hill. Attendees came together for 2 days of training on issues pertinent to those operating aquatics facilities.

Region 5 and the Programs Section hosted a Risk Management and Customer Service Workshop in Burlington. The workshop included two tracks, one focused on customer service and one on risk management, registrants could focus on one track or mix their learning experience.

Region 6 hosted a two day Stream/River Restoration and Greenway Development Workshop in Mount Airy. The workshop was geared towards professionals interested in restoring their local streams or rivers, developing nearby greenways and learning about funding options and project development.

Region 7 hosted an Environmental Stewardship Workshop in Charlotte with topics including: Introducing Environmental Education and Interpretation to Your Programs, Sustainable Trail Design and The Importance of Environmental Stewardship in P&R. The region also hosted a Programmers Workshop in Matthews with topics including: Tennis, Special Events and a Directors Panel discussion.

Region 8 held 4 meetings throughout the year where professionals came together to discuss issues being faced and shared solutions and experiences.

Region 9 held an Aquatics workshop in Waynesville focused on best practices for aquatics staff . The region also held a Community Garden Workshop in Black Mountain. The interactive workshop focused on building partnerships and developing successful gardens.

The Professional Development Committee offered the popular Preparing for the CPRP Exam workshop on November 13th as a post conference workshop. Professionals attended and learned nuances of taking and passing the exam. The committee also gave presentations to students at NC State in February and September. The committee additionally awarded it first Young Professional Fellowship to Christen Winstead of Greenville Recreation & Parks.

NCRPA in conjunction with Carter Consulting Group offered a series of Leadership Seminars in Clayton and Matthews. Attendees learned the importance of differentiating the various generational leadership preferences, discovering strengths, and developing a personal growth plan.

Activities

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Individuals and agencies were honored at the 2013 Conference for their support and leadership in our profession

Fellow: Carol Moore, Compliance and Staff Development Manager with Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

Hall of Fame: Thomas I. Hines, Former department head, NCSU Parks & Recreation

Meritorious Service: Billy Ransom, Director with Moore County Parks and Recreation and Bill Ellis, Director with The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation

Special Citation: Lenora Barron from Weddington Hills Elementary School

The Corporate/Humanitarian Award: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Distinguished Legislator Award: NC General Assembly member Pat McElraft from House District 13 serving the counties of Carteret and Jones

Young Professional: Brittany Shipp, Director with Swansboro Parks and Recreation and Landon Carroll, Recreation Program Manager with Holly Springs Parks and Recreation

Innovative Program: Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources for Trick-or-Treat the Trails

Arts & Humanities Class 1: Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation for North Carolina Dance Theater REACH!

Arts & Humanities Class 2: Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources for Bluegrass Camp

Arts & Humanities Class 3: Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources for Greenway Sewer Pipe Art

Citations and Awards

2013 Carolinas Joint Conference | Raleigh, NC

The 2013 Carolinas Joint Recreation and Parks Conference was a huge success,

with host city Raleigh collaborating with NCRPA and SCRPA to put on a record-

setting event. Over 1000 attendees, 112 vendors, and numerous volunteers came

together to “Create, Connect and Capture” at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources worked diligently to provide an

immersive experience for all attendees. The conference

offered 8 education blocks with 10 sessions each at .1 CEUs

over the course of three days. With 80 different education

sessions attendees could attend a variety of informative

lessons, and earn up to 1.0 CEUs during the conference.

Along with a large offering of educational sessions and

workshops, the 2013 Carolinas

Joint Conference also provided various

networking, social and informational

opportunities that enhanced the attendees’

experiences. This year’s keynote speaker was

Shelly Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s

Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Additional highlights included: the Certified

Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) Academy, a

student quiz bowl, a career center, young

professional and student meet-ups, four off-site institutes, wellness wakeups,

our annual awards luncheon, and

more. Various evening events

highlighted Raleigh, including a trip

to the Carolina Hurricanes game and

a food truck rodeo in historic Pullen

Park.

Project Supercharged!!!| Think > Engage > Develop

Officially launched at the 2013 Carolinas Joint conference Project

Supercharged!!! is a membership, marketing and communications plan to

determine the vision and needs for today and into our future. NCRPA is working

with PROS Consulting to release this project that will consist of a survey, focus

groups and input from members and non-members alike. During 2014, look for

your opportunity to participate and help shape our future!

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Expenses | Revenues | Membership

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Annual Budget Report

Expenses

Revenues

Membership Membership

Revenues

Expenses

Affiliates 12

Agencies 73

Professionals 1,281

Commission Board 356

Students 304

Retired Members 67

Commercial Members 15

Total Membership 2,108

Office/Member Services $79,705

Regions $19,363

Sections $45,683

Committees $179,937

Ticket Program $94,400

Total $419,088

Office/Member Services $232,505

Regions $6,942

Sections $37,048

Committees $32,298

Ticket Program $88,185

Total $396,978

Office/MemberServices

Regions

Sections

Committees

Ticket Program

Office/MemberServices

Regions

Sections

Committees

Ticket Program

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Kids in Parks | TRACK Trails In 2013, 10 trails in local parks from the central part of NC joined the TRACK

Trails program. Funding to add these trails to the program was provided to the

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North

Carolina Foundation with the designation for a local parks partnership with

NCRPA. The Kids in Parks network uses family friendly trails to get kids “un-

plugged”, outdoors and reconnected with nature for their health and the health

of our parks via a series of brochure-led self-

guided adventures designed to turn an ordinary

hike into a fun-filled adventure. For more

information visit www.kidsinparks.com

Since its inception in 2010, our partnership with Blue Cross

and Blue Shield of North Carolina has funded 83 Nourishing NC

gardens around our state. These gardens have grown nearly

157,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables and have donated

over 85,000 pounds to food recovery organizations. Through garden

maintenance, over 65,500 hours of physical activity have been recorded. Finally,

reports show that over 4,500 people have consumed at least 2 servings per day

from the gardens.

Nourishing North Carolina | One Garden at a Time

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2013 Accomplishments GO NC! Health Challenge Grants The North Carolina Recreation and Park Association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of

North Carolina and The Outdoor Foundation teamed up to provide the 2013

GO NC! Health Challenge Grants. Three grants totaling $22,500 were awarded for

projects that increase physical activity and promote healthy, outdoor lifestyles

across North Carolina. Recipients included Town of Benson, Dr. PK Vyas M.D.

Walking Track Fitness Stations; Help Them L.A.S.T. in Greeneville, The Outdoor

Experience; and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy in Hendersonville, Cane

Creek Greenway Health Challenge Trail.

NCRPA Wellness Initiative In 2013 the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association

launched its recreation and parks wellness initiative! This

initiative's mission is to empower park and recreation agencies in

North Carolina to create healthy communities through the

development of programs, policies, and infrastructure that

support healthy eating and physical activity. In 2013 NCRPA

kicked off this initiative and launched the online toolkit, which

was the work of NCRPA’s graduate assistant Erin Crouse who’s

funding is provided through a grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North

Carolina Foundation in collaboration with the NCSU Department of Parks,

Recreation and Tourism Management . www.ncrpa.net/wellness

NCRPA Visa® Check Card Launched in 2013 NCRPA partnered with the Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) to create the NCRPA Visa® Check Card. The card was created exclusively for employees and volunteers of parks and recreation departments across North Carolina.

The NCRPA Visa Check Card is a debit card that offers the convenience of a credit card, but operates like cash or a personal check. Every time the debit card is used it is earning money for NCRPA. With every purchase, the Local Government Federal Credit Union donates half of its share of the net merchant's fee to NCRPA. The card costs you nothing to use. Money generated by the card will help fund scholarships and professional development opportunities for NCRPA members, marketing efforts for the profession, and local community projects.

With the “Keep it Growing” campaign NCRPA worked with LGFCU to help promote the card through a series of Swipestakes and promotions.

For more information on the NCRPA Visa Debit card visit www.ncrpa.net/debitcard

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Some benefits of NCRPA membership include:

• Year round educational opportunities

• Discounted fees for workshops and conferences

• Latest job postings with Career Connection

• Leadership opportunities

• Access to information on grants and funding opportunities

• Quarterly NCRPA News magazine, Monthly NCRPA E-News,

delivered to your e-mail inbox, Wellness Weekly publication and

more.

• Access to the NCRPA list serve

• Opportunities to meet and network with fellow

professionals from around our state

Changing Lives, Impacting Communities

NCRPA

NC Recreation & Park Association 883 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605 P: 919-832-5868 F: 919-832-3233 Info@ncrpa.net

Visit us online for the latest news across the state! Educational Opportunities

Region, Section and Committee Updates Resource Links & more

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