Biederman Redevelopment Ventures To Program And Activate San Francisco's Union Square
San Francisco, Calif. — In December 2024, former Mayor London N. Breed announced a new plan to bring 200 days of programming to Union Square next year to help boost the city’s downtown retail and hospitality heart. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has contracted with Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation (BRV), a leading placemaking consulting firm, to reimagine Union Square with daily programming and activations, starting in early 2025.
The partnership is the latest development in broader revitalization efforts to reinvigorate San Francisco’s premier retail and hospitality district and builds on the success of city-funded activations, such as free concerts, Winter Wander-land, and Union Square in Bloom.
Credited for transforming Bryant Park in New York City and for overseeing successful activations at Salesforce Park, BRV will provide approximately 200 days of programming over the year, from Tuesdays – Sundays and select holidays. BRV will work with local businesses, performers, and groups to bring energy to Union Square, highlighting the diverse and exciting activities San Francisco and downtown have to offer. Programming will include arts and crafts, lunchtime performances, and activities for people of all ages to enjoy together and will complement San Francisco's hallmark civic celebrations.
BRV creates, redevelops, and operates parks, public spaces, and neighborhood streetscapes in 36 states and seven countries and has been recognized for its success in using private management to revitalize urban public spaces. BRV President Dan Biederman is one of the country’s leading urban planners and redevelopers and has worked with some of the most successful public venues in the country, including Mission Rock in San Francisco; Klyde Warren Park and Fair Park in Dallas; Exposition Park in Los Angeles; Hudson Yards in NYC; and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor district.
Union Square welcomes almost 10 million visitors a year and offers more than 4.8 million square feet of retail space. In June 2024, Mayor Breed introduced the Hospitality, Entertainment, Arts and Culture, Retail and Tourism (HEART) Action Plan, which aims to remediate post-COVID challenges in Union Square and Yerba Buena, such as storefront vacancies, declining foot traffic, and a slow recovery of tourism. Supported by more than $13 million in the mayor’s budget, the HEART Action Plan focuses on creating bustling public spaces through events and activations, strengthening destination retail, bolstering tourism, and expanding uses on upper floors to ensure a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.
Excel Dryer Receives Special Recognition From FacilitiesNet
East Longmeadow, Mass. — Excel Dryer, Inc. was honored with special recognition in multiple categories at the 2024 FacilitiesNet Vision Awards. Excel won the award for Wellness & Sustainability with its ThinAir® Hand Dryer featuring Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) Filtration. The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the company’s XLERATORsync® Hand Dryer received honorable mention in the Plumbing & Restroom category.
Excel Dryer’s sleek, surface-mounted, ADA-compliant ThinAir Hand Dryer with eHEPA represents a design breakthrough in electric hand dryer technology. Its ability to conserve space without sacrificing drying time is a game-changer, allowing users a quick, hygienic, and convenient experience while eliminating paper waste.
The D|VERSE Sink System, developed by high-end commercial product designer D|13 Group, features Excel Dryer’s XLERATORsync® Hand Dryer with eHEPA as a component. Integrating the elements of proper hand washing and drying in a cohesive 30" unit, the D|VERSE introduces hygiene, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal that can instantly transform any commercial restroom.
The 6th annual FacilitiesNet Vision Awards honored innovation and excellence in products contributing to the efficient, profitable operations and management of institutional and commercial buildings in the United States. Excel Dryer was selected out of 135 companies competing. Judges included FacilitiesNet Influencers, winners of the FacilitiesNet Facility Champion Award, members of the Building Operating Management and Facility Maintenance Decisions Editorial Advisory Boards, and other prestigious facility managers.
Learn more about Excel Dryer at exceldryer.com.
Walker Completes Acquisition Of Light Duty Product Line From Danfoss
Fort Collins, Colo. — Walker has officially acquired the “Light Duty” product line from Danfoss, effective as of August 19, 2024. This acquisition includes both the Model 7 and Model 11 hydrostatic, variable displacement pumps and transmissions products. This strategic move empowers Walker to enhance quality, address design improvements, and secure a reliable supply for its customers.
The “Light Duty” product line acquisition represents a crucial milestone for Walker, which currently utilizes approximately half of the total “Light Duty” units produced, with the Model 7 comprising 85 percent of the volume. From initial discussions to closing, the acquisition process took 14 months, with the Walker team dedicating over 120 man-days at Danfoss’ Eden Prairie facility to ensure a seamless transition.
Transitioning the entire transmission assembly line and inventory was an impressive logistical feat, requiring ten semi-tractor trailers to transport all equipment and materials to Walker Manufacturing’s facility in Fort Collins, Colo. over a two-week period in mid-August. Walker successfully built its first transmission on September 12 and achieved full production run rates within two weeks. The first shipment to an outside customer was made on November 5.
Quality and efficiency have been paramount in Walker’s transition process. Thanks to a robust component inspection protocol and heightened expectations for the final product, both the first-pass yield and overall yield have exceeded historic levels. Walker’s dedicated factory team has worked tirelessly to set up the new production line, equipment, systems, and materials strategy to achieve these outcomes and meet ambitious production targets.
The acquisition also underscores Walker’s commitment to addressing quality and long-standing design issues to better serve its customers. A newly developed quoting and ordering portal offers Hydro customers enhanced visibility, communication, and timeliness, optimizing the entire ordering and fulfillment process.
Walker’s motivation to acquire this product line stems from a desire to protect its customers’ investments while seizing an opportunity for improvement. The company is eager to continue delivering innovative, reliable solutions as it ushers in this new era of quality and performance for light-duty hydrostatic transmissions.
Kampgrounds Of America, Inc. Recognized As A Top 400 Franchise
Billings, Mont. — Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), a leader in outdoor hospitality, announced the brand’s inclusion in the exclusive Franchise Times Top 400 ranking for 2024. Ranked 120 out of 400, KOA was the top-ranked hospitality franchisor on the list.
The Franchise Times Top 400 is the most comprehensive ranking of the largest franchise systems in the United States, based on their global systemwide sales performance in the previous year. This recognition highlights KOA’s dedication to franchise excellence as investment in the camping and outdoor hospitality industry continues to grow.
"We are honored to be recognized as one of the top 400 franchises by Franchise Times," says Toby O'Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. "Not only is it a testament to the company’s ongoing growth and innovation, but it also reflects our commitment to delivering franchise value while ensuring exceptional guest experiences."
KOA offers a comprehensive range of services designed to set franchisees up for success and create operational efficiencies, preparing campground owners and operators with the tools they need to attract campers and grow their businesses. As the brand continues to expand its presence nationwide, KOA remains committed to upholding its core values and delivering unparalleled experiences to its franchise partners and customers.
To learn more about the KOA Family of Campgrounds, visit ownakoa.com.
CDC Releases 5th Edition Of Model Aquatic Health Code
The CDC has officially released the 5th edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), providing updated guidance for enhancing safety in aquatic facilities. This comprehensive resource is designed to promote safer and healthier experiences at aquatic venues across the country.
Key changes found in the 2024 MAHC include:
Chapters 1–3
Updates established a definition for single-pass splash pads, eliminated references to foreign standards, and removed references to outdated CPSC standards.
Chapter 4
Portable slides are prohibited, as their location is not fixed and the water depth, landing area, and clear spaces are not ensured (MAHC Section, 4.12.2.9.1). A clock must now be visible to all spa bathers (4.12.1.12). Single-pass splash pads are included as an interactive water play aquatic venue and are subject to applicable MAHC design standards and construction (4.12.8), and facility operation and maintenance requirements (5.12.8).
Chapter 5
CDC accepted a CMAHC-rejected change request that specified the upper operating range for chlorine products is dictated by the manufacturer’s instructions for use, in compliance with the EPA’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (5.7.3.1.1.5). Cyanuric acid (CYA) at 300 ppm or higher now requires immediate remediation (5.7.3.1.3.3).
Chapter 6
The aquatic venue diarrheal-stool contamination response in the presence of CYA was modified to add dilution credits when draining and refilling to lower the CYA concentration (6.5.3.2.1). A table was also added to display log reductions based on the initial CYA concentration and the percentage of the aquatic venue drained and refilled. Three additional health hazards were added requiring immediate closure (6.6.3.1). And the following additional guidance was added for:
- Failure to provide interlock controls and flow meters/flow switches/pressure switches in accordance with section 4.7.3.2.1.3, or they are not operating properly, or have been disabled or bypassed.
- Failure to prevent unauthorized access to pool chemical storage spaces.
- Free chlorine greater than 10 ppm while bathers are present.
- Two qualified lifeguards are required to be present and available to respond to aquatic emergencies in aquatic facilities that have a single zone of patron surveillance (6.3.4.3.1).
Chapter 7
Artificial swimming lagoons (ASLs) design standards and construction, and operation and maintenance requirements are now included as a special venue (7.3 & 7.4).
The MAHC continues to provide comprehensive guidance for facility operators, health officials, and stakeholders. The MAHC is available online and free to access. Aquatic facility operators are encouraged to review the new guidance and implement these measures to support public health.
View the 2024 MAHC here: https://www.cdc.gov/model-aquatic-health-code/php/our-work/index.html.
Field Notes
Michael Dembe joined OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR) as VP of OEM Sales for the company’s construction segment. Also, Eduardo Montero was named VP of OEM Sales for the agricultural and lawn & garden segments.
Eduardo Montero (left), Michael Dembe (right)
Hospeco Brands Group announced that Renee M. Starr joined the company in the newly created position of chief revenue officer (CRO). Additionally, Bob Kibbe assumed the role of CEO of Tranzonic Companies and Hospeco Brands Group. Tom Friedl, CEO since 2015, remains with the company as Vice Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.
Renee M. Starr (left), Bob Kibbe (right)
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) announced the appointment of Betsy Watson as its new Director of Communications.
Wooster Products, the industry leader in anti-slip safety stair treads and walkway products, added Tom Grant as the Central and Western Regional Sales Manager.
STIHL Inc. announced the appointment of Asif Azhar as Vice President of Sales, effective November 11, 2024.
Betsy Watson (left), Tom Grant (middle), Asif Azhar (right)
Calendar
April
7-10 Nevada Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference, North Las Vegas, Nev.—Aliante Hotel & Casino; https://nevadarecreationampparksociety.wildapricot.org/page-18319
10-11 Monroe Country Economic Development & Tourism Spring Conference, Warrens, Wis.—Three Bears Resort; https://exploremonroecounty.org/conference/
25-26 2025 Executive Fire Officer and Leadership Symposium, Emmitsburg, Md.—National Fire Academy; https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/programs/executive-fire-officer/graduate-symposium.html
29 2025 OPRA Women In Leadership, Dublin, Ohio—Dublin Community Recreation Center; https://www.opraonline.org/opra
May
1-6 Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival, Chicago, Ill.—Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont; https://fiberfabriccraft.com
7-9 h+h Americas, Chicago, Ill.—Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont; https://www.hh-americas.com
10 Cardio Tennis ‘Hit to Be Fit’ Day; https://playtennis.usta.com/Events/grandstrandtennisfoundation/Coaching/Summary/f7ecb189-ba33-476b-9ccb-b8114a1d1f3b
13-16 Nature Everywhere Conference, St. Paul, Minn.; https://www.childrenandnature.org/conference/
June
7 Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association, Inc.’s Camp College, New Haven, Conn.—SCSU Health & Human Services Building; https://crpa.com/events/campcollege