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SAS K ATCH E WA N PA R KS A N D R ECR E AT I O N AS S O C I AT I O N

Recreation Infrastructure

01 JUNE 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPRA CEO’s Report 01 RInC to the Rescue! 02 Build a Park, Build a Community 03Sports Lighting Benefits Environment and Budget 04Riverfront At River Landing Phase I 06Dasherboard Maintenance 08Saving Energy at the Rink Helps Keep Ice Costs Down 10Lottery Lingo 11Go Outside and Play NaturallyTM 12

A Multipurpose Facility for the Battlefords 14Everyone Benefits from Saskatchewan’s Trail Infrastructure 15Events 17

DIRECTION is published four times a year (September, December, March and SEPTEMBER). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to:

Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5

You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this newsmagazine are the opinions of the authour(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the newsmagazine.

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SPRA STAFF

in motion STAFF

President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director for Villages Rob Boulding

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Clint McConnell

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

Manager - Community and Target Strategies Marnie Sinclair

Manager - Marketing and Communications Christine Niemczyk

Consultant Nicole Yacishyn

Assistant Consultant Graham Richardson

School Consultant Lyle Brenna

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger

Communications Assistant Julie Chabot Thoring

Executive Assistant Carol Priebe

Administrative Assistant Nicole Schewchuk

Youth Mentor Kendra Schmidt

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466

Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

Program Manager John Firnesz

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Information and Research Services Luella Newman

Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen

Communications Consultant Lori Ross RECREATION CONSULTANTS:

Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett

Parks and Open Spaces Vacant

Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky

ADMINISTRATION:

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught

Administrative Technician Ryan Monks

Administrative Assistant II Paula Lichtenwald

Administrative Assistant I Vacant

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Donna Matheson Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555 Fax: (306) 780-9257 www.spra.sk.ca

www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

SEPTEMBER 2010 01

SPRA CEO’S REPORT

www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

I am fortunate in my position as Chief Executive Officer of the Sas-katchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) to have the opportunity to travel across the Province and meet and discuss is-sues of the day with a wide variety of individuals and communities. One of the things I have noticed in

these discussions is that a large number of Saskatchewan residents recognize the positive impact our community recreation facilities have on them and on their communi-ties. These discussions are supported by a December 2006 SPRA study entitled “Investing in healthy people and communities through recreation infrastructure”. This study indicates that Recreation Facilities are the heart of Saskatch-ewan communities and are an essential gathering place for healthy, vibrant communities.

As part of the study, a large majority of Saskatchewan re-spondents indicated that they, or a member of their house-hold had used an indoor sport/recreation facility at least once in the past year. Similarly, a significant proportion indicated they had also used outdoor sport and recreation facilities such as playgrounds, trails and parks within the past year. These numbers solidify the value of facilities in Saskatch-ewan communities.

Parks, recreation and open space facilities are key influ-ences on the quality of life in communities and the basis for business and individual relocation. Their benefit to the com-munity is further supported by the following evidence:

Increases in the price of residential property are positively affected by the quality of recreation facilities and negatively affected by the distance from them. Proximity to parks and open spaces improves the visual environment and the quality of life, resulting in higher prices for homes and land.

There is a strong association between the number of facili- ties in a community and the activity levels of youth. Those living in communities and areas with facilities are 32% less likely to be overweight and 26% more likely to be highly active than those who live in areas with no facili- ties.

Increased participation in sport and recreational activi- ties were also found among communities with accessible parks, playgrounds and open spaces. Public space, parks, recreation facilities and open spaces facilitate socialization and interaction among community members, which in turn creates a sense of cohesion. This connectivity strength- ens community spirit and positively impacts social and emotional health.

Quality recreation facilities can attract events which can increase the economic vitality of a community. Spinoff from hosting events not only showcases the community, it generates revenue for local businesses and boosts tour- ism. This is further demonstrated by the fact that 92% of the survey respondents that indicated they visited the Humboldt region did so specifically because of the Sas- katchewan Winter Games. Of the 8% who did not come specifically because of the Games, 11% stayed longer because of the Games. Information adapted from: Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation

Association, 2010. Facilities Build Community [Fact Sheet].

While this research supports the importance of facilities in the well-being and health of our communities, there doesn’t seem to be the same level of understanding regarding the role and contribution the community recreation system that operates these facilities play in the health and wellness of the community. Information gathered by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association indicates that the community recreation system is the single largest investor in Canada’s sport infrastructure and is the owner/operator of most pools, arenas and quality sports fields along with other indoor and outdoor facilities. In the majority of communities, groups, organizations and individuals benefit from user fee subsi-dies ranging from 0 to 100% with a large majority receiving anywhere from 40 to 60% per hour subsidies. The contribu-tions made by communities and municipalities in supporting our community groups is sometimes lost in the discussions around user fees and hourly charges.

Community recreation providers are committed to the physi-cal and emotional well-being of the citizens they serve and provide programs, parks, trails, bikeways and recreation facilities that foster and support active lifestyle choices. In

02 SEPTEMBER 2010

addition, the community recreation sector benefits from an extremely large base of volunteers who provide quality lead-ership through the delivery of programs and services within the grassroots community.

At the local level, community and sport organizations rely on parks and recreation service providers and local volunteer recreation organizations as their primary partner and sup-porter. Community recreation service providers are uniquely positioned to create linkages that foster coordination be-tween the community volunteer groups, sport organizations, and the business community. By working in partnership with social services, education and crime prevention, community recreation providers develop and provide services that are appropriate and accessible for children, youth and fami-lies living in distressed neighbourhoods and communities. Municipal parks and recreation providers are committed to ensuring accessibility, inclusion, gender equity and safe en-vironments that lead to healthier more vibrant communities.

When we speak of recreation facilities, many times we focus on the physical structure themselves; the brick and mortar, the grass and trees, and neglect to recognize the important role the community service providers play in, not only the construction and maintenance of the facilities, but in foster-ing the well-being of our communities.

The next time you are enjoying the service that our recre-ation facilities have to offer, take additional time to reflect on the added value your local parks and recreation service provider adds to your community and your own individual quality of life. They are important members of our communi-ties. Take the time to thank them. They deserve it!

Norm Campbell SPRA CEO

RINC TO THE RESCUE!

Want to know more about these and other recreation news stories happening around the Province?

The Media Monitor is your source for recreation information, bringing you the latest news, issues and successes relevant to parks, recreation and physical activity.

Visit the Media Monitor at www.spra.sk.ca/media or sub-scribe to the Media Monitor RSS feed to be alerted with breaking news!

Do you remember when you first learned to skate? Or the neighbourhood park where you and your childhood friends would run amuck? Or maybe the pool where you took your first plunge off of the diving board? Until now, the state of our arenas, parks, trails and pools didn’t exactly reflect the positive childhood memories and milestones associated with them. The leaky roofs, structural damages, moisture problems and aging equipment didn’t exactly mirror the vibrant growth and economic upswing that Saskatchewan is experiencing.

Years of wear and tear have taken their toll on recreation fa-cilities across the Province and the Recreation Infrastructure (RInC) Canada program was a much needed intervention, bringing new life to these community hubs. The federally-administered program worked in partnership with the three

levels of government and community groups to fund the renewal and expansion of recreation infrastructure.

In a Province plagued by aging infrastructure and the chal-lenges of a growing population, the 149 projects impacted by the program meant more than just building facilities. The projects have strengthened partnerships, renewed commu-nity spirit and created opportunities for the future - a future ready to embrace new memories of generations to come.

Although aging and deteriorating recreation infrastructure continues to be an issue in Saskatchewan, the RInC program has been a step in the right direction towards restoring the heartbeat of our communities - the places where we meet, gather, play and grow.

STAY INFORMED!

SEPTEMBER 2010 03

BUILD A PARK, BUILD A COMMUNITY

Some of the new and exciting developments include a BMX/ skateboard/rollerblade park, new sportsfield, Parks and Recreation Department building, a well-lit basketball court and tennis court, a spray park which recycles the water for irrigating the surrounding green space and the largest play-ground in Southwest Saskatchewan! The park’s green space will also be improved with public bathrooms, comfortable and unique park furniture, flower beds and landscaped areas. A multi-purpose trail will link the many features of this park with all of the other parks and green spaces in the community. This park will truly be a recreational playground for all ages.

This park revitalization project was developed from a Com-munity Recreation Survey conducted by the Town of Maple Creek in 2008. Results of this survey indicated the need for upgrading and developing a wide range of outdoor recre-ational facilities. Community consultations took place after-wards, giving direction to the various project components. In 2009, an application was made through the RInC program and by October we were given the go-ahead to begin work. Since most of the work is seasonally sensitive, the majority of the work was required to be done between April and October, giving us a six-month window to complete the project.

Chris Sanderson, Centennial Park Project Manager, has been working tirelessly with community groups, contractors and organizations to turn this vision into reality.

“Challenges have included working with so many community groups and getting them organized and the projects moving forward,” said Chris. “However, the rewards have been in facilitating the process of moving the ideas to reality”.

Playground Openning!

Although Chris’ background is in construction, his passion for parks and recreation has infused great enthusiasm in those groups and contractors he has been working with.

In my position as Manager of Community Development for the Town of Maple Creek, the real reward of this recreation infrastructure project has been in witnessing the creation of a more cohesive, dynamic and engaged community. Volun-teer groups have been able to work together to achieve a level of facility development that without this funding would be unreachable. Strangely, it is almost as though the park is simply a byproduct of the community which it has helped to build.

Duncan Whittick Manager of Community Development, Parks, Recreation and Culture - Town of Maple Creek

How do you a build community? Easy! Just team up with eight community groups made up of 95 volunteers to build twelve new outdoor recreational facilities in less than six months! With over $600,000 in funding through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) funding program, Maple Creek is able to do just this.

04 SEPTEMBER 2010

SPORTS LIGHTING BENEFITS ENVIRONMENT AND BUDGET

Innovative sports lighting systems can be a key opportunity for park and recreation organizations inter-ested in satisfying environmental concerns and saving money.

SPORTS LIGHTING THEN AND NOW

Sports lighting involves projecting light over long distances. In prior generation systems, this resulted in about 25% of the total light generated by the luminaires landing on the playing surface. The rest went into the sky or on adjacent property as wasted spill light and light pollution. To compensate for the wasted light, additional luminaires were necessary to achieve the desired light levels for play.

Today, thanks to advances in the reflector system efficiencies and aiming design, as much as 70% of the light generated can be directed onto the playing surface. As a result fewer fixtures are needed to purchase, install and operate.

All sports lighting systems differ, so it’s important to consider environment, playability and budget to help ensure you’re getting a lighting system that fits your needs.

ENVIRONMENT

Good environmental light control can contribute to reduced energy costs in addition to controlling light pollution. Manu-facturers can use sophisticated reflectors systems and visors to help direct spill light back onto the playing surface, which limits the light trespass and reduces electrical costs.

PLAYABILITY

The desired quantity and quality of light can be determined by considering several factors: sport type, player skill level, field size, spectator capacity and any video recording re-quirements. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America provides recommended light levels for both indoor and outdoor facilities.

With some sports lighting, light levels depreciate over time. It is important to make sure your system is designed to provide target footcandles to ensure the light you purchased is main-tained over the life of your lighting system. When evaluating a system, consider how long light levels are guaranteed. Some systems offer guaranteed constant light levels for 25 years.

The quality of light on the field is specified in terms of unifor-mity, or evenness of light on the field. It is stated at a ratio, like 3:1, meaning the brightest point on the field should be no more than three times the darkest point. This is important because in play, a ball appears to change speeds when it passes from dark to light areas, making it difficult for partici-pants to follow the flight or gauge the speed.

SEPTEMBER 2010 05

Balancing your lighting needs with environmental concerns doesn’t have to be difficult. Thanks to advancements in sports-lighting technology, lighting that provides ideal playing conditions for your team can also help to preserve the envi-ronment for tomorrow’s athletes.

For more information on Musco’s energy-efficient Light-Structure Green™ lighting system call 1-800-825-6030, or email lighting@musco.com.

Jeff Rogers Musco Lighting - Vice President

Jeff Rogers is Vice President of Sales for Musco Lighting, a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient sports lighting. Jeff has more than 25 years of experience at Musco. He is a leader in coordinating major lighting projects globally for Musco, including race tracks, Major League Baseball stadiums, World Cup Soccer stadiums and other projects of similar scope.

BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

Sports lighting budget considerations should include the capital cost and long-term costs of operating, maintaining and managing the system. Routine maintenance and unex-pected repair costs can add up if the lighting system is poorly designed from an electrical and structural standpoint. How-ever, a system that is energy efficient and easy to operate and maintain can become part of a program’s success story.

ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION

Energy efficiency presents the largest opportunity for cost savings. Differences in reflector system efficiencies and aim-ing design can vary, meaning one manufacturer may require fewer luminaires to achieve the same amount of light on the field, saving money on electrical costs, lamp replacements and other maintenance costs.

With control and monitoring system, lights can be scheduled via web, phone, fax or email to be turned on only when the field is in use. If a game is unexpectedly rained out, officials can simply phone into the controls center to have the lights turned off instantly.

ENERGY-CONSCIOUS LIGHTING BENEFITS PROGRAM AND THE ENVIRONMENT Communities want their decisions to result in a trouble-free lighting system that will be a safe, energy-efficient source of pride, rather than a disappointing source of continuing high-maintenance headaches and neighbourhood complaints. Researching local regulations and codes, as well as different products available, will help you find the lighting that will best help your association reach its goals, both short and long-term.

Fuhr Sports Park - Spruce Grove, Alberta

06 SEPTEMBER 2010

Meewasin is made up of numerous conservation areas, interpretive centres, parks, art galleries, canoe launches, links and nodes, all the university lands, the best outdoor skating spot in Canada and over 60km of Meewasin trail. There is approximately 25 square miles in the conserva-tion zone. Meewasin has three mandates: to conserve, to educate and to develop.

As a developer of land along the river for public enjoyment, Meewasin targets an area already in an existing plan, makes an agreement with the landowner and develops the site for public access. Recent examples include: the weir redevelopment, the all accessible Kinsmen Fishing Plat-form, the trail extension linking Holiday Park to the Mee-wasin trail, Gabriel Dumont Park, the Vimy improvements in Kiwanis Memorial park and the Riverfront Phase I (Traffic Bridge to the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge) and Riverfront Phase 2 (Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge to Victoria Park).

The South Downtown development is one of the most excit-ing riverbank projects in Saskatoon’s history. It is a focus for Saskatoon in a unique combination of meeting place, performance site and recreation area. The development plan has been a priority for Saskatoon ever since Raymond Moriyama’s 100 Year Plan in 1978. A few years ago with the consolidation of city lands, the City of Saskatoon was

MEEWASIN VALLEY AUTHORITY

RIVERFRONT AT RIVER LANDING PHASE I Created in 1979 by the people of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, Meewasin is a globally recognized conservation organization dedicated to conserving the cultural and natural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Meewasin’s conservation zone is centred in Saskatoon and runs 60km along the river valley from Pike Lake to Clarke’s Crossing.

able to put together community representatives and a de-sign team to begin the process in earnest.

Meewasin took over as project manager of Riverfront Phase I in October 2003, when the Government of Sas-katchewan provided $4 million to begin the work. Enhance-ment of the riverfront allows for more public access and enrichment of the quality of life for all residents and visitors to the city.

The first phase of riverfront construction in 2003 included establishing and armouring the new shoreline, construc-tion of shore walls, earth fill and rough grading. As of September 2007, construction was fully underway includ-ing construction of the amphitheatre, seating areas, plaza/pedestrian links, the pavilion and the river basin water play feature. Meewasin artist in the community, Laura Hale, worked with a number of classrooms of grade 4 and 5 students to develop fish tile mosaics artwork for embedding into the feature (Trout Unlimited Yellow Fish Road) as well as high school students for the tree grates. We are con-tinuing with the river fountains, river garden, river garden access, river tributary, backshore link, interpretive features and related site furnishings. The fire pit was completed in early spring. The total cost of the Riverfront Phase I project is $14 million.

SEPTEMBER 2010 07

Eco initiatives on the site include: Expanded habitat Alternate trail use – promoting sustainable transportation Planting program Source water protection Erosion control with silt fencing and diversion channels

during construction Storm water oil and sediment trap Dark sky complaint lighting Bioswale Certified wood by Forestry Stewardship Council

There are a number of interpretive initiatives on site, in-cluding the water spray model of the 420 square kilometre of the Sask River Basin. Its themes are based on the geography, hydrology of the basin as well as its people, its wetlands, its wildlife and its history; with places, water bod-ies, forts, borders, provincial symbols, footprints, license plates, industry chemical symbols, embedded shapes of plant, fish, animal and artefact throughout.

Meewasin is 30 years into the 100 Year Plan. The idea is to have a sustained river valley for now and future generations. For Saskatoon and area, Meewasin is one of the biggest contributors to the quality of life. Meewasin is rare in North America. We are all guardians of this resource and must never become complaisant.

For additional information on Meewasin and Riverfront at River Landing, visit www.meewasin.com.

Doug Porteous Meewasin Valley Authority

64th Annual SPRA Conference and General Meeting October 14 - 16, 2010 Regina, SK

Conference sessions and keynotes will demonstrate ways in which the field of recreation can advance in the areas of Technology, Community Engagement, Operational Effectiveness,

and address the Physical Inactivity Crisis affecting Saskatchewan!

Visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference and register today! Call 1-800-563-2555 for more information.

Early Bird Deadline: September 17, 2010

08 SEPTEMBER 2010

DASHERBOARD MAINTENANCEPAY NOW OR PAY LATER

We all know it’s usually cheaper in the long run to spend money regularly looking after something than it is to ignore the maintenance and then have to replace it altogether down the road. It’s true for cars, appliances and your house…

As an ice arena facility manager, you know it’s no different with dasherboards: you can pay a little now, or possibly pay a lot later. Hockey boards are not a static device, they are a working piece of mechanical equipment that needs regular service and maintenance in order to work properly and look good.

WORKING WELL AND LOOKING GOOD DOING IT

You want your boards working properly – that is, working the way they were built to work. If the glass is in position and aligned correctly; if the boards are shimmed straight and plumb; and if the gates are opening and closing with ease, you will have done your part as a facility manager to:

Maximize the safety of the people who use the rink Help keep your facility profitable by getting the most out

of the investment made in the dasherboards (typically in the hundreds of thousands of dollars) Minimize potential risk or liability concerns Make your own time on the job easier

By the same token, having the boards looking good makes good business sense too. Clean, well-maintained boards contribute a great deal to the overall appearance of your rink or arena, creating a lasting positive impression on everyone who comes there. The better your facility looks (including the boards), the easier it will be to keep existing patrons, attract new teams and clubs and lure advertisers. As you very likely do now, for other key operational equip-ment at your rink, start keeping a log book recording dash-erboard maintenance problems and issues, the dates they occurred and how they were resolved.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE TIPS - A FEW KEY POINTERS

Preferably once a week, have staff walk the perimeter of the boards (ice side and spectator side) looking for and fixing maintenance items, such as: Loose or broken screws in the puckboard or caprail

loose bolts in the floor or between panels Chips, cracks or gaps in the shielding or in the puckboard Broken welds Excessive wear on the thresholds Spilled food, etc.

Check your shielding system carefully. Where there is seam-less glass, check to be sure the Lexan clips at the top are in place properly; check to see that the gaskets on the edges of the glass are on properly. Where the shielding is supported (glass or acrylic), check the supports for any missing or pro-truding face-plate screws; ensure glass supports are properly seated in their bracket or socket. Check to ensure there are no gaps in the shielding greater than ½” maximum. Make sure gaskets are in place to reduce the likelihood of glass breakage. Always replace any cracked acrylic promptly. Check the bumper pads at all shielding termination points, and repair or replace them if worn excessively.

Look for excessive gaps in puckboard

SEPTEMBER 2010 09

CALLING ALL COWBOYS

Finally, remind those of your staff members who operate the ice resurfacing machine that dasherboards are not designed or built to be used as a guide for it. The force of an ice re-surfacer could cause damage to the puckboard, the frames or the anchors. We suggest, at the very least, lowering the guide wheel on the machine closer to the base to get more of the stress upon occasional impact to our anchoring area. IN CONCLUSION

So, there you have it. By devoting some time and attention on an ongoing basis (preferably at least once a week), you will extend the life expectancy of your boards, and ensure they are always working in a way that is safe for all users and operations staff, while assisting in the creation of a better looking facility that is more attractive to customers and adver-tisers, both existing and new.

Keep an eye out for signs of rust

Check all the gates, adjusting, lubricating or replacing hinges, latches and closure bars as needed. On the heavier gates, check the casters for wear – remember, it’s the cast-ers that are meant to carry the weight of the gate, not the hinges! Check all ice side gate release mechanisms to ensure they operate smoothly.

If your system has a vertical lift gate, the manufacturer of the board system should be brought on site (for a fee) to inspect, adjust and repair the gate as required. In some jurisdictions this annual inspection is mandatory. Contact your dasher-board supplier to find out more.

CLEANING UP

I know this will sound like your mother, but you will find it easier, and less time-consuming, to clean poly, glass and acrylic when it’s done regularly rather than letting it build up over months. (She wasn’t wrong about everything!). Try sourcing a product known as Rink Erasers to help remove those stubborn puck marks.

Cleaning acrylic is best done with soap and water using a soft cloth, a sponge or a chamois; drying should be done with a clean damp chamois. Do not use glass cleaner on acrylic, nor should you use any kind of solvent, gasoline, benzene, etc. Don’t use a dry cloth to rub dirty spots on acrylic as this could cause scratches. You can hand polish acrylic with products such as Novus or Plexus, using a soft flannel cloth.

Cleaning glass is best done with, appropriately enough, glass cleaner and a clean cloth.

Cleaning Lexan advertising panels should never be done us-ing abrasive or alkaline cleaners, solvents or scrub brushes, all of which can badly scratch the surface, reducing the vis-ibility of the ad. The appropriate method for cleaning Lexan is with mild soaps (Joy, Palmolive, Top Job or Windex with Ammonia D), rinsed with clean water, then dried with a clean damp chamois.

For more advice on good cleaning products for hockey boards, contact your Arena Services representative.

Bob Vohnoutka and David Staines Sport Systems Unlimited/Athletica

10 SEPTEMBER 2010

The cost of operating an ice rink in Canada continues to escalate with utilities being the number one monthly ex-pense. While at the same time, user groups continue to seek affordable ice time and keep user fees as low as possible for their particular sport. Unfortunately, this is where arena management is caught between the owners of the rink (in most cases tax payers) and the users of the facility when ice rates are set. Many users believe that keeping energy costs low is the buildings sole responsibility – this is not true. The users are a big part of the equation and can help take control of energy costs in their home rinks which in the end will help keep ice rates at a reasonable cost.

Here are some energy conserving items that can help us all win:

Close the dasherboard doors. The ice sheet is designed 1. just like a refrigerator. Remember someone in your home always saying “close the fridge door”. When your refrigerator door is open it is allowing heat to enter the box causing the refrigeration equipment to turn on to take that heat away. The same happens in the arena when the dasherboard doors are left open. Warm air enters onto the ice making the ice softer and causing the refrigeration equipment to kick on.

Turn off the hot water in the shower when not being 2. used. Many times users go into the dressing room after

The users are a big part of the equation and can help take control of energy costs in their home rinks which in the end will help keep ice rates at a reasonable cost.

SAVING ENERGY AT THE RINK HELPS KEEP ICE COSTS DOWN

play and immediately turn on the showers and let them run for extended periods while taking off their equip-ment. This hot water is expensive and a complete waste of energy.

Stop dumping the water bottles on the ice. Often players 3. dump the leftover water bottles down the boards at the player’s benches at the end of the game. This water is a prime contributor to ice buildup along the boards. The ice resurfacer because of its design cannot cut tight to the boards. If left unattended, it starts to thicken away from the boards causing the refrigeration plant to work harder. It will need significantly more maintenance using a specially designed tool to cut the ice away. These tools are most often fossil fuelled powered – more needless energy consumption.

Tell your fans to wear a sweater. Many patrons who 4. attend an ice rink come poorly dressed for the environ-ment. When the heaters get turned on, the owner is paying for two energy sources – the heat in the stands and the refrigeration system because the heat that is being generated warms the ice causing the refrigeration plant to turn on.

SEPTEMBER 2010 11

LOTTERY LINGO

Saskatoon Couple Win $409,014 With LOTTO MAX!

Sean Ledingham and Claire Letendre were speechless to find their LOTTO MAX ticket for the June 18th draw had matched six main numbers and the Bonus to win $409,014.60!

“We were heading to Sean’s dad’s house for Father’s Day and we stopped at the store to check the ticket,” remembered Claire. “Sean used the Ticket Checker, and thought he had won $4,000, so he ran back to the car to tell me.”

Sean asked Claire to go back into the store with him to have the ticket verified with the clerk. “When we heard the Woo-Hoo and saw the amount on the monitor, I screamed!” laughed Claire. “I kept looking at the screen and was trying to speak, but I couldn’t say anything! Sean was in shock!”

The ticket was purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart, 610 Taylor Street E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

$10,000 CROSSWORD RED LINE Winner in Can-wood!

Martha Reimer had been looking for something to keep her occupied on a long drive when she purchased a $5 CROSSWORD RED LINE ticket. She was shocked to find it was a $10,000 winner!

The Canwood, Saskatchewan resident was driving home from Saskatoon with her husband and made a pit stop. “I had to stop so I could pick up a lottery ticket to have something to do, because the drive is so boring!” Martha laughed.

As she started to scratch the ticket, Martha was happy to see she had uncovered four words to win her $5 back. “As I kept on scratching and saw more words, I got more and more excited. When I finished, I thought I had won $1,000, so we stopped at a store along the way so I could cash my ticket. Now the trip was excit-ing!” she recalled.

The ticket was purchased at Stoney Enterprises Ltd., Highway 12 and 40, Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan.

Car pool. Many vehicles that arrive at the rink only have 5. one user in them. Think about how many cars come and go at a typical ice arena on any given day. These ve-hicles use a lot of fossil fuel each year. Consider making a car pool option part of your team’s travel strategies.

No Idling. Many facilities are introducing no idling zones 6. immediately outside entrances to the building. Please consider air quality for those that enter and exit our buildings, not to mention that many of these areas are also no parking areas for emergency equipment.

Many arenas have introduced waste management 7. systems to ensure materials that can be recycled are recycled. Pick the right bin when using these containers so these efforts are not lost.

As users of the arena you can often spot energy waste. Please feel free to share your suggestions on how energy efficiencies might be introduced with your arena manager – collectively we will all benefit from being energy conscious.

Ontario Recreation Facilities Association

The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. (ORFA) was incorporated in 1947 as a provincially recognized, not-for-profit, volunteer driven recreation organization to be the leader in the recreation facility profession. The mission of ORFA is to provide leadership in the development and delivery of innovative training and education programs, value-added services, and quality products for the benefit of the recreation facility profession. The ORFA serves as the National Head Office of the Canadian Recreation Facilities Council

12 SEPTEMBER 2010

GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY NATURALLY™

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every five children is obese. This trend is contributing to increas-es in childhood cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and makes it more likely that these children will struggle with obesity as adults. Many experts, including Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, contend that this trend is partly attributable to “nature-deficit disorder” – a perva-sive lack of experience in the outdoors.

Landscape Structures and PLAYGROUNDS-R-US believe that one answer to this condition is to draw kids outdoors where higher levels of play activity will lead to greater physical, emotional and social well-being. We call this new playground solution Play Naturally™, and have created several nature-inspired playstructures to encourage out-door play. The new Tree House and AdventureScapes®, along with our Natural Climbers, blend the beauty and wonder of nature with the safety, age-appropriateness and durability of manufactured equipment.

“Countless studies have indicated that outdoor play is becoming a thing of the past, and that this is profoundly impacting the health of our children,” says Steve King, cofounder and chairman of Landscape Structures Inc. “We believe we have an obligation to turn this trend around and that our Play Naturally™ solution strikes the perfect bal-ance between natural and man-made. Our nature-inspired products will attract more children outdoors, keep them playing longer, and encourage children to enjoy self-direct-ed, free play in the outdoors—the way kids are supposed to play.”

Playing outside helps kids connect with nature, especially when inspired by nature-themed play equipment or creative land-scaping. Adding just a few natural elements to the mix can make a big impact.

EVERY CHILD LOVES A TREE HOUSE

The imaginative Tree House playstructure looks kid-engi-neered and offers endless hours of fun. Real trees were the inspiration behind the Discovery Tree Climb, the Tree Stump Transfer Module and the Log Steppers, and their Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) construction provides the most realistic look and texture while offering playground-friendly durability. This unique playstructure lets kids discover hidden forest friends, explore the tree’s life cycle with an Age Ring Tracing Panel, hold secret club meetings—or just hang out! And the Tree House’s lumber planks, with wood-grained texture, are 100 percent post-consumer recycled material.

SEPTEMBER 2010 13

Every site is different, but with a little planning, an average playground is turned into a natural gathering spot.

The natural landscape can be helpful in designing an attractive and functional play environment.

Play spaces positioned near existing natural elements increase the fun and kids’ activity levels.

Interpretive signage detailing local plants and wildlife or the history of the park, connects kids and families to the surrounding environment.

Learn more about Landscape Structures’ new Play Naturally playground solution by visiting playlsi.com/play-naturally, or contact your local Landscape Structures playground consul-tant, PLAYGROUNDS-R-US, at (204) 632-7000.

PUTTING NEW CHALLENGE IN THE CLIMB

Landscape Structures also connected its rock-like Natural Climbers with strong climbing cables to create the Adventur-eScapes climbing system. Now kids build upper-body and core strength as they maneuver around these rugged climb-ers. Playground planners can choose from nine AdventureS-capes configurations, available as freestanding components or as a connection to a playstructure, to fit a variety of spaces and budgets.

BRINGING NATURE TO THE PLAYGROUND

Research shows that children who have opportunities to play in natural settings are typically healthier and more likely to become adults who respect and protect the environment. Our Natural Climbers capture kids’ imaginations with the look and feel of real rock, and they give kids a real-life rock climbing experience.

PLAY EXPANDS TO THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

Playing outside helps kids connect with nature, especially when inspired by nature-themed play equipment or creative landscaping. Adding just a few natural elements to the mix can make a big impact. The more attractive and comfortable a playground is for children and families, the more time they’ll spend there.

14 SEPTEMBER 2010

CREDIT UNION CU PLEX A MULTIPURPOSE FACILITY FOR THE BATTLEFORDS

Site work is already underway in the southeast quadrant of North Battleford. A Performing Arts Centre and an Aquatic Centre will be the first components constructed. A Field House and a Curling Rink will round out the entire project. The entire cost of all four components is approximately $50 Million.

“Construction on the Performing Arts Centre is set to begin immediately. The tender has been awarded to APM Con-struction Services Inc. of P.E.I. who plan to utilize local contractors,” said the City Director of Parks and Recreation, Stuart York. “The tendering process for the Aquatics Facil-ity is underway and ultimately, we would like to see all four structures up and closed in by the end of 2010 and grand openings take place in 2011.”

It’s been years in the making and through volunteerism, fundraising and help from all levels of government, a four-component Multipurpose Fa-cility is now becoming a reality in North Battleford. Innovation Credit Union bought the naming rights and the facility is now referred to as the Credit Union CU Plex.

The aging Curling Rink in North Battleford has been demol-ished and other recreational facilities are deteriorating. The community identified the need for new facilities several years ago. Committees were formed and the fundraising process began in 2006.

To date, through individual and corporate donations, the “Raise the Roof” Fundraising Committee (raisetheroofbat-tlefords.com), made up of several dedicated community vol-unteers, has collected approximately $6.4 Million. The City of North Battleford has committed $10 Million; the RM of North Battleford has pledged $175,000; approximately $1.1 Million comes from Federal Gas Tax revenue sharing; the Provin-cial Government has forwarded $7 Million; and together, the Provincial and Federal Governments have pledged another $7 Million toward the Performing Arts Centre.

“We are physically starting to see what we have all been working toward for a very long time,” said North Battleford Mayor, Ian Hamilton. “It is very exciting.”

PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE This is the first of the four components being constructed and will be known as The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts – sponsored by the Dekker and Rawlinson Families. In consultation with a variety of local performing groups and with the community as a whole, it was determined The Bat-tlefords needed an Arts Centre – one that is reflective of the community’s diverse cultural roots. The centre will have full staging and rehearsal spaces, a box office and seating for up to 350 people.

SEPTEMBER 2010 15

FIELD HOUSE A facility of this type will be new to the people of The Battle-fords and will allow residents to enjoy their favourite summer activities year-round. The Field House will have two soccer pitches with seating for 250 per field. It will also feature a running track and will serve as a space for trade shows.

CURLING RINK In Saskatchewan, curling rinks have historically been the heart of the community. The City of North Battleford has been without a Curling Rink for a few years. Our new curl-ing rink will have 6 sheets of ice with all associated support spaces, a lounge and spectator seating.

AQUATIC CENTRE

Swimming – whether for leisure, exercise or sport – is a popular activity in our region. A new indoor pool is required to replace the one that has served the community for more than 40 years. The new Aquatic Centre will incorporate two waterslides, a wave pool and a six-lane competition pool.

For more information on the Credit Union CU Plex project and information on how to donate, please visit raisetheroof-battlefords.com or cityofnb.ca.

Mike Halstead Marketing and Communications Coordinator City of North Battleford

Ranging from simple footpaths in the grass to complex routes through national parks, Saskatchewan trails have be-come an important means for people to travel, explore and reconnect in our Province.

Trails can include paths with natural or manufactured sur-faces, designated transportation routes and road allowan-ces, former rail lines, sidewalks, waterways and more; they can be seasonal or year-round, multi-use or designed for a specific purpose. Trails appeal to a wide variety of users for many different activities.

Whether for hiking or horseback riding, cross-country skiing, cycling, kayaking or snowmobiling, trails add to the well-being of communities in many ways. Firstly, trails positively impact the physical health of our bodies and our environ-ments.

Access to and use of parks and playgrounds, active or “hu-man powered” transportation, and contact with nature have been identified as factors that can benefit overall health, and trails help us achieve all these things.

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Trails encourage participation in healthy, outdoor physical activities. They provide access to other recreational services such as parks, and allow us to experience Saskatchewan’s natural beauty up close and personal. They offer forms of recreation that reduce harmful emissions and energy consumption, thereby reducing health risks associated with pollution and promoting environmental stewardship and education. Trails also enable us to learn about our Province’s rich cultural heritage. Trails in Saskatchewan were once used by trappers, voyageurs, hunters and farmers to work and visit; now they allow us to view and interact with protected herit-age sites, providing opportunities to connect with our past and take pride in our history. Communities today are brought together by trails because trail activities facilitate tradition, participation and social inter-action between people from different families, age groups, and ability levels. Entire families can get involved in com-munity walking groups or voluntary trail maintenance work, learning about teamwork, community and healthy lifestyle choices. Although some trail activities require equipment, many are inexpensive and relatively accessible to all com-

munity members. Canadian research also indicates that people are taking shorter, more frequent trips, and trails offer a close-to-home, wallet-friendly and diverse holiday solution. The financial benefits of trails extend beyond individuals or families; whole communities can experience the positive economic effects of local trails. Trails attract tourists who will purchase goods at local stores, eat at local restaurants and stay at local hotels or campsites. In short, trails provide a wide range of benefits to every-one in Saskatchewan. Whether you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, a leisurely stroller, or a shop owner in a tourist town, you are sure to experience the kickbacks of trails in your area in one way or another. Trails enhance physical health, provide economic stability, protect our heritage, create social opportunities, and encourage environmental sustainability, but most importantly they contribute to the cohesiveness we see in communities across the Province.

Karlen Herauf Saskatchewan Trails Association

SEPTEMBER 2010 17

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

11th World Leisure Congress ChunCheon City, Korea

The Congress aims to bring together academics, educators, students, researchers, professionals, government officials and representatives from non-governmental organizations in the field of leisure, recreation, tourism, and sports to discuss the academic, social, industrial, and political issues and concerns around the theme Leisure and Identities. For additional information, visit www.worldleisure2010.org.

OCTOBER 4 - 8, 2010

9th Canadian Urban Forest Conference (CUFC) Turo, NS

The Conference will bring urban foresters, professionals and community groups from across Canada together. The theme of the 2010 Conference will focus on watershed protection and management and how urban forests are being managed in communities, big and small. For additional information, call (902) 893-6090.

OCTOBER 14 - 16, 2010

SPRA Conference and Annual General Meeting Regina, SK

The 2010 Conference and AGM will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field. For additional information, contact Karen Thompson, SPRA Consultant, at (306) 780-9389 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference.

NOVEMBER 5 - 7, 2010

SaskFit 2010 Saskatoon, SK

SaskFit is Saskatchewan’s premier fitness and health Conference and is attended by Fitness Leaders and enthusiasts throughout the Province. The Conference reflects the energy and dedication that our Provincial Fitness Leaders have towards promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices in our communities. For additional information, contact Karen Thompson, SPRA Consultant, at (306) 780-9389 or visit www.spra.sk.ca.

EVENTS

For information on more great Saskatchewan events, visit Events Saskatchewan at www.saskevents.com.

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