VRPS E-Update: Vol 18 No. 10 March 10, 2021

By Lori Haislip | 03/29/2021
NSA Spring Workshop – Register by March 31st to Save!
Register HERE (after logging in)
Virtual Playground Maintenance Course
PROTECT CHILDREN FROM PLAYGROUND HAZARDS
Held via ZOOM, March 30, 2021
8:30 am- 4 pm
The National Recreation and Park Association’s Playground Maintenance Course will provide an understanding of the most prevalent playground hazards and safe maintenance and repair practices. This one-day course (0.6 CEUs) will train on playground safety standards, playground owner responsibilities and will include maintenance and repair discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items
Why Attend?
  • According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 240,000 children are injured each year on playgrounds.
  • Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of injuries on playgrounds.
Who Should Attend?
  • Maintenance Staff
  • Recreation Staff
  • University Seniors
Recognizing Excellence in 2020
The 2021 Awards Application, recognizing excellence in 2020, is now available:
For details on award categories, review the Eligibility and Selection Criteria.
REVISIONS FOR 2021:
  • Please embed pdf high-quality photos (300 dpi minimum).
  • Nominations for individual awards must include one photo of the nominee.
  • For all other awards, please include at least one (two preferably) with each entry. Include at least one before and one after photo in the renovation categories
Grant Opportunity for Parks and Rec Projects
The Virginia Outdoors Foundation is making $1.13 million available for grants that connect more Virginians to public open space. Grants may be used by local governments to acquire land, rights of way, lease agreements, easements, or other real estate interests that create, improve, or expand public access to parks, trails, and other outdoor resources. There is also funding available for infrastructure and planning. Visit https://www.vof.org/2021/03/01/vof-seeks-grant-proposals-for-public-open-space-projects/ for details.
VRPS members…here’s another opportunity for Virginia to showcase our excellence nationally! The NRPA Awards recognize and honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. These awards showcase the inspiring park and recreation agencies that have improved and empowered their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and social equity.
Applications for the 2021 NRPA Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships are now open!
The application period will remain open until Friday, March 26, 2021. For more information and to learn more about the process, visit the NRPA awards website.
Spring Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine
 Now Available on vrps.com
Now available on vrps.com:
To view VRPS publications, follow the links below – you must login to the website and be recognized as a VRPS member to see the archives:
2020/21 Leadership Training Institute – April 26-28, 2021
 Adding to the LTI experience this year, 5 preconference sessions are being included throughout the 6 months leading up to the Institute. Please visit the LTI webpage  for more information on dates, times and topic sessions.
Why choose LTI?
  • Proven Career Advancement – over 90% of Directors and Upper Management personnel in Virginia Parks and Recreation Departments have graduated from LTI
  • Flexible Setting -while LTI (usually) takes place at Wintergreen Resort and utilizes mountain top housing and amenities – this year, you can enjoy LTI from the comfort of your home or office
  • Fun Educational Sessions – LTI prides itself in offering fun, interactive and educational games, activities and presenters centered around bringing out the leader in you (activities will still be interactive, just from afar)
  • Networking Opportunities – meet other professionals from around the state to make lasting relationships, share ideas, improve your self confidence and begin forming a support group to last throughout your career
  • CEU’s – Earn CEU’s to help maintain your certifications or to help get you on your way to becoming certified (the preconference sessions will give you additional opportunities to earn CEUs) which are included in the registration fee
It’s not too late to join – Register HERE
Deadline to register: April 9, 2021.
PORG News – VSTMA Field Day
June 9th, 2021
Warhill Sports Complex
5800 Warhill Trail
Williamsburg, VA
Go to vstma.org for more information or to register!
Click on the flyer to view
2021 Annual Conference Delegate Registration
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW LIVE
Register by 6/30/2021 to save!
FULL registration includes:
All educational sessions
Monday Exhibit Hall Lunch
Sunday Keynote Banquet
Tuesday Business Meeting
Tuesday Awards Ceremony
All Socials
SUNDAY registration includes:
JMU Facility Tour
Education Sessions
VRPS Service Area Meetings
MONDAY registration includes:
Education sessions
VRPS Resource Group Meetings
Exhibit Hall Lunch
TUESDAY registration includes:
Education sessions
Business Meeting
Awards Ceremony
STUDENT registration includes:
All educational sessions
(Exhibit Hall, Socials and Meal Functions are not included)
Registration does NOT INCLUDE CEUs, which are available for purchase.
Speaker Submissions for Annual Conference 2021
The Virginia Recreation and Parks Society is seeking dynamic speakers to lead educational sessions to be presented at the 2021 VRPS Annual Conference. The Conference will be held October 24-26, 2021 at the Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg, VA. If you have a passion for sharing your knowledge, apply today.
VRPS Annual Conference participants represent a broad spectrum of professionals from college students to executive-level Administrators. Attendees come from a variety of communities and programs, so their perspectives and challenges vary greatly. This opportunity provides interested speakers the chance to share your expertise and ideas with other park and recreation professionals to benefit our profession.
Are you interested in speaking alone? Perhaps you have other colleagues whom you would prefer to join?? Session formats may include single speakers, interactive, hands-on, and panel presentations. Session types are available in one-hour or two-hour session slots (a maximum of 2 speakers for one-hour and 4 speakers for two-hour sessions).
The deadline to submit your proposal is June 15, 2021. Submission requirements can be found online by visiting www.vrps.com. If you need assistance, please contact Education Co-Chairs Tom Hoy (tom.hoy1961@icloud.com), Stacy Herbaugh (sherbaug@fcva.us), or CEU Coordinator Nicole Gray (Nicole.gray@harrisonburgva.gov).
2021 Annual Conference Exhibit Hall Registration
Hotel Madison and Shenandoah Valley Conference Center
Exhibit Hall Hours:
  • Monday, October 25, 12pm – 6pm
Other promotions available:
  • Conference App Ad
  • Exhibit Hall Aisle Signage
  • Exhibit Hall Center Stage
  • Registration Packet Stuffer
  • Tabletop Brochure Placement
Register Online (after logging in)
Job Opportunities
  • Organizations: post a job – $50 fee (free to VRPS organization members)
  • Individuals: search for openings
Posted in E-Update