Rainbow City Breaks Ground On New Recreation Center
The City of Rainbow City celebrated the official start of construction on its new recreation center with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 6, 2024.
City officials were joined by community leaders, residents, and project team members to mark the occasion, which represents a significant milestone in further developing an area that has become a recreation and education hub for the community.
The 40,620-square-foot recreation center is being constructed on Lumley Road near John Jones Elementary School and Rainbow Middle School. In addition, the new facility is located in proximity to the site of the future Challenger Learning Center of North Alabama, which was set to begin construction at the end of 2024, and the Kia Sports Plex RBC.
The Rainbow City Recreation Center will offer numerous amenities including a gym, indoor track, fitness room for group classes, multipurpose room for exhibits, two basketball courts sized for tournaments, a concession stand, and locker rooms. The outdoor area will feature a competition-size swimming pool, splash pad, playground, and stage area with tiered seating.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is providing architecture, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, interior design, and landscape architecture. Dominguez & Persons, a joint venture between Dominguez Design-Build and Persons Services Corp, is serving as the general contractor for the project.
The new recreation center is scheduled for completion in fall 2025.
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Brings The Heat To The U.S. Championship
In front of an impassioned crowd, elite male and female STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® athletes went head-to-head in late July at the 2024 U.S. Championship, providing fans with thrilling performances. Athletes chopped their way to victory through various competitions, including the underhand chop, stock saw, standing block chop, single buck, springboard chop, and the hot saw. When the sawdust settled, two champions were crowned: Erin LaVoie and Nate Hodges.
U.S. PRO CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RANKINGS (TOP THREE)
- Nate Hodges
- Matthew Cogar
- Matthew Slingerland
U.S. WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RANKINGS (TOP THREE)
- Erin LaVoie
- Martha King
- Hanna Quigley
Full results from all competitions can be found at http://data.stihl-timbersports.com.
OPEI: 7 Tips For Readying Your Outdoor Power Equipment For Winter
After your grass gets its last cut before winter, it’s time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. It’s also important to ready snow throwers, generators, and other small engine equipment for winter use. How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
“Readying your equipment for winter needs is important as the weather changes,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “It’s also important to put your fall equipment away correctly. What you do now when you put away your equipment sets you up for an easier start in the spring.”
Here are seven tips from OPEI to ensure snow throwers will be ready when the flakes fly and chainsaws, generators, and other equipment are ready for winter storms. Also, your lawn mower and other spring equipment will be available and ready for use when warmer temperatures return.
#1 - Review owner’s manuals. Re-familiarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.
#2 - Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
#3 - Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.
#4 - Charge batteries. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure.
#5 - Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn, or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
#6 - Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in storage areas before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Remove sticks, debris, and other items that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
#7 - Have the right weather-appropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords on hand. Ensure the cord is the right length to operate the generator at a safe distance from the building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage or breezeway, or under an open window or near any air intake for a building.
ASBA Announces Publication Of Tennis Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual
The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders, designers, and suppliers of materials for tennis courts, running tracks, sports fields, and indoor and outdoor courts and recreational facilities, announced the publication of the 2024 edition of Tennis Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual, which it produces jointly with the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA).
The new edition, in print or as a downloadable, linked PDF, is available on ASBA’s website, www.sportsbuilders.org, and can be found by mousing over the top blue toolbar, then selecting “Resources” followed by “Publications.”
The book is designed for anyone involved in building, maintaining, repairing, or renovating all types of tennis courts and facilities. It includes user-friendly technical information on all aspects of quality construction, including design, budgeting and planning, site requirements, surface selection, construction, maintenance, repair, amenities, accessories, and more. In addition, it includes diagrams, photos, resources , and sources for further information. It is also the textbook for those taking the ASBA’s Certified Tennis Court Builder exam.
Copies of the new edition are available at a cost of $49.95. Books can be ordered in either hard copy or digital format.
The ASBA is a non-profit association comprised of more than 600 design professionals, builders, and suppliers engaged in athletic facility construction. The association sponsors informative meetings, publishes newsletters, books, and technical construction guidelines, and keeps its members updated on developments in the industry.
Farmers Markets Help Cultivate Community
Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is located near their home.
Parks and recreation facilities serve as popular spaces for local farmers markets. Ensuring easy access to these markets will result in greater attendance by community members. According to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll, 86% of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is near their home, with nearly 60 percent indicating they are extremely or very likely to visit. Close access to farmers markets is important to all regardless of race and region.
Key Findings:
- Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is located near their home.
- Gen Z (91%) and millennials (88%) are most likely to visit a farmers market during the next 12 months if one is located close to their home (91%), followed by Gen X (87%) and baby boomers (80%).
- Parents (90%) are more likely than non-parents (83%) to visit a farmers market if one is located close to their home.
- More than one in five (22%) park and recreation agencies manage or administer farmers markets. (2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review)
- Two-thirds (68%) of park and recreation agency-hosted farmers markets accept some form of supplemental nutrition benefit, such as SNAP or WIC. (Farmers Markets)
- Of the park and recreation agencies that host farmers markets, four in five partner with other organizations to make their farmers markets successful. (Farmers Markets)
“Farmers markets are popular attractions in communities across the United States,” says Melissa May, NRPA senior research manager. “These markets supply fresh produce, promote access to healthy foods, and provide families with nutrition education. As trusted providers of accessible health and wellness opportunities, park and recreation professionals and their agencies are well-suited to expand local agriculture initiatives.”
To read the NRPA Farmers Market Report: Parks and Recreation Connecting Communities to Healthy Foods, visit https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/research-papers/farmers-markets-report/.
Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, head to https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/.
Field Notes
Sandro Pagliarulo, Managing Director of Canada and Europe Operations for OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR), announced his retirement from the company, effective October 10, 2024. Also, Patrick Sexton joined the company as its new Global Vice President of Engineering and Innovation.
Ecorobotix Inc. appointed Cameron Holbrook as the new CEO of the company's North American business.
David Hein, P. Eng. was awarded the 2024 Industry Champion Award during the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association’s (CMHA) Midyear Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario.
Lock and access control manufacturer Codelocks welcomed Colleen Walsh as its new PR and Communications Manager.
Theresa Quintong joined Tuuci as the new Contract Sales Representative for New York and will serve as the primary liaison for hospitality and commercial clients in the tri-state region.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) announced that franchisee Mark Lemoine joined the corporate executive team as Senior Vice President, Franchise Operations.
Munro, the leading manufacturer of pumps, pump controls, and pump stations for the turf irrigation market, has named Aaron Presley as its new Eastern U.S. Regional Account Manager.
Effective September 1, Balfrey & Johnston became the Wisconsin representative for Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, the industry’s largest supplier of cleaner water solutions for drinking water, hygiene, and sustainable water management.
Calendar
February
1-2 2025 Pre-Con – National Build & Program A Pool Conference, St. Pete Beach, Fla.—The Tradewinds Island Grand Resort and Convention Center; https://totalaquatic.llc/build-%26-program-a-pool
1-8 AOAP Annual Conference and Exposition & NDPA Annual Water Safety Conference 2025, St. Pete Beach, Fla.—The Tradewinds Island Grand Resort and Convention Center; https://site.pheedloop.com/event/AOAP2025/conferenceandexposition
2-5 2025 OPRA Conference & Trade Show, Sandusky, Ohio—Kalahari Convention Center; https://www.opraonline.org/opra/2025_OPRA_Conference__Trade_Show.asp
4-6 Southeast Pool & Spa Show, Nashville, Tenn.—Music City Center; https://southeastshow.com
23-28 PTR International Racquets Conference, Wesley Chapel, Fla.—Saddlebrook Resort; https://ptrtennis.org
25-27 BoatUS Foundation “Turning the Tide Online” virtual summit; https://www.boatus.org/advgrant
March
3-7 Seed Your Future Green Career Week; https://www.seedyourfuture.org/green-career-week
4-5 Block Promoter’s Conference, St. Louis, Mo.—Live by Loews (Ballpark Village); https://www.masonryandhardscapes.org/block-promoters-conference/
16-19 PRPS Conference & Expo, Hershey, Penn.—Hershey Lodge; https://prps.org/events/2024/25winter-4
Arizona Surf Park Development Tour, Mesa, Ariz.—Cannon Beach-Revel Surf; https://www.thesurfparksummit.com/arizona-development-tour/
April
7-10 Nevada Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference, North Las Vegas, N.V.—Aliante Hotel & Casino; https://nevadarecreationampparksociety.wildapricot.org/page-18319
10-11 Monroe County 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
29 2025 OPRA Women In Leadership, Dublin, Ohio—Dublin Community Recreation Center; https://www.opraonline.org/opra