PARKS AND RECREATION

By John Kmitta

Parks and recreation professionals who have attained the Certified Sports Field Manager ( CSFM ) certification are recognized experts in their field . In honor of Park and Recreation Month , I recently spoke with several parks and rec CSFMs about Park and Recreation Month , the challenges they face , sustainability efforts , and the value of certification .

PARK AND RECREATION MONTH The CSFMs with whom I spoke embrace Park and Recreation Month and its messaging .

“ During Park and Recreation month , we try to recognize our employees for the hard work that they put in throughout the year with different employee activities , rewards , food and recognition ,” said Brad Thedens , CSFM , park caretaker , Sioux Falls , South Dakota . “ The recreation department does a lot of activities throughout the park system , community centers , pools and media outlets to engage the community to be active and showcase the great park and recreation opportunities we offer .”

Steve Hamilton , CSFM , park maintenance supervisor , City of Surprise , Arizona , said Park and Recreation Month is important because he and his family live , work and play in their community in Surprise . “ Not only do I work for the Parks and Recreation department , but I also volunteer coach for my children ’ s sports ,” he said . “ Being a steward of the community and entrusted to ensure our parks are clean , green and safe means the taxpayer dollars are spent to ensure green spaces and open public spaces are areas of tranquility , fun and respite from the world .”

“ Our mayor will be delivering a proclamation for Park and Recreation month , and our marketing team will be nose to the grindstone putting out information throughout the month of July ,” said Ryan Ferguson , CSFM , athletic field groundskeeper , City of Oklahoma City . “ We do these things to ensure our community is aware of positive social interactions in all aspects of parks and recreation — from nature parks to youth organizations and childcare to athletic fields .”

The City of Louisville , Colorado , celebrates Park and Recreation Month with a “ Flat Louis ” ( similar to “ Flat Stanley ”), said Abby McNeal CSFM , CPRP , parks superintendent , parks , forestry , cemetery and

streetscapes , Louisville , Colorado . The parks and rec travels and fun that “ Flat Louis ” has during the month of July showcase the tasks performed to create great spaces for the community .

“ We promote the great things that our operations and maintenance staff , as well as our recreation staff do that impact and support healthy lifestyles in our community ,” McNeal added .

Brent Neighbor , CSFM , deputy director , parks & recreation , City of Marion ( Iowa ), said the initiatives highlighted during Park and Recreation Month are messages his department embodies year-round .

Photos provided by Ryan Ferguson , CSFM .

22 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com