The best playgrounds are shaded with a large sun canopy

Sun Safety for Kids on the Playground

Everyone knows that solar radiation causes skin cancer, but not everyone knows that 80% of a person’s life time exposure to UV radiation occurs before their 18th birthday!

And, it starts in un-shaded playgrounds.

Many schools and Park Departments encourage children to get healthy exercise on their play equipment,  but they provide little, if any, shade protection from the sun.

The playground industry has been remiss in providing shade on their play structures.  Often they will place 4’ x 4’ roofs or shade sails—all decorative in nature—they look attractive , but provide very little sun protection—Form over Function!

Poor Shade Canopy Design for Playground

A good shade structure should be part of the play equipment and provide the maximum coverage over the play area-especially between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm- the hours of peak solar radiation.

Parents need to be aware of when and where their kids play—And insist that those who provide the play structures also provide the needed sun protection.

A Few Sun Safety Facts:

• Approximately 1 out of every 5 children in the United States will grow up to have some form of skin cancer.
• Just one blistering sunburn before the age of 18 may double the risk of eventually developing melanoma (a life threatening type of skin cancer) later in life.
• Babies, children and the elderly are highly sensitive to UV radiation and it can take less than 10 minutes for their unprotected skin to sunburn.
• Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the United States with more than one million new cases diagnosed each year.
• Over 90% of skin cancers can be prevented by staying safe in the sun. Staying in the shade is one of the best ways to be safe.

Staying safe in the shade does more than just protect us from the serious risk of sunburn which can lead to skin cancer, it helps prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can also be life threatening.

Playground Shade Structures by Apollo Sunguard

Safety on the Playground

Most parents are aware of playground safety rules and the more common child safety issues with the play equipment. (such as play structure design, maintenance factors, etc.)

Unfortunately what most parks and school officials don’t address is the issue of sun protection for children while at play. There is no mandatory rule that playground areas be shaded from the sun’s heat or radiation.

Apollo Sunguard is working to change that. By reaching out to parents with the facts about these risk factors and by providing affordable solutions we are confident that eventually more and more schools and parks will install shade structures over playground equipment.

But, it takes concerned citizens to share the message on Facebook, Twitter and other social media or email with friends and family so an awareness can be generated to demand our school administrators and community officials provide shaded playgrounds to provide sun safety for kids.

Read the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) Checklist for Playground Risk Factors to see if your favorite park or school playground passes the test for child safety. (Notice that there are no provisions for shade)

The Best Playgrounds also Provide Shade to Prevent Burns for Kids

Thermal Burns from playground equipment is a less-known sun-related injury that can also be prevented with properly shaded parks and play areas. And, it happens more frequently than most parents realize!

Read and share this Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) Fact Sheet:

Burn Safety Awareness on Playgrounds, Thermal Burns from Playground Equipment

Made-in-the-USA with quality construction and materials, the Shade Wing design and special shade canopy fabric blocks 95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Unlike other shade structures and canopies, the patented Sunguard Shade Cloth allows hot air under the sun canopy to escape providing a 20 degree cooler air temperature in addition to  superior protection from the sun’s burning rays.

Apollo Sunguard Systems, the company responsible for the innovative design and manufacture of the Shade Wing, has nearly 20 years of experience in the commercial shade structure industry. Experience and quality customer service stand behind each and every one of their shade canopies.

The Shade Wing Sun Canopy is covered by a 5 year warranty on the structure and canopy cover. Very few shade structure companies can offer such a warranty on their product because most barely last through one season of use. And, even fewer of the “Big Box” pop-up canopies can endure the sun’s harsh rays, storms and windy conditions before the canopy cover wears out and the structure breaks, collapses or fails to support the cover properly.

Now the same quality canopy construction and patented shade cloth is available for residential home use!

Watch the video below for a brief overview from Apollo Sunguard President, Kevin Connelly…

Shade Wing Canopy Video Transcript:

Hi, I’m Kevin Connelly, president of Apollo Sunguard, a service-disabled veteran-owned company that’s been involved in developing shade structures for the last 16 to 17 years in Sarasota and throughout the United States.

Our primary products of the past have been involved with the shading of playgrounds, park department bleachers, parking lots and anyplace you would need shade in a large commercial basis.

All our products work so well because we use Sunguard Shade Cloth. Our shade cloth is a very unique entity. What it does is block the ultra violet radiation but allows air to pass through it, creating a natural circulation of air, even on the hottest day. The end result is, you get a 20 degree temperature drop underneath the cover.

Shade cloth up to now has not generally been available for home use and now for the first time we are introducing the Shade Wing, the first canopy for home use that will effectively replace the flimsy umbrellas  which provide very poor shade.

The difference between the Shade Wing Canopy and other conventional shade structures is that it’s built here in the United States by our own manufacturing crews.

The shade canopy is easy to install. It’s easy to ship and features very easy cover removal. In fact, we offer five different colors to choose from, depending on what you like.

And, we provide a five year warranty on the frame and the cover as well.

To find out more about the Shade Wing Sun Canopy visit our website, www.shadewingcanopy.com or call us at 1-800-319-1010 and our dedicated staff will be standing by to help you.

We’re a small company and we care very much about our customers and we want to provide real effective shade for your home.

Thank-you.

Apollo Sunguard of Sarasota, Florida has designed and manufactured architectural shade canopies and sun sails for almost 20 years.

The canopy and sail designs come in a wide array of attractive colors and the shade canopy fabric is patented for it’s unique air-flow design.

Unlike most architectural canopies, the canopy designs by Apollo Sunguard are rigorously tested and covered by the best warranty in the shade structure industry. The Apollo corporation is known for it’s unique designs, quality in manufacturing and professional customer service.

Some of their commercial shade structure projects can be seen on the News, Media and Articles section of their main website: apollosunguard.com

Apollo Sunguard shade systems include:

• Shaded EV Charging Stations
• Park and Playground Shade Structures
• Cantilever Shade Systems (used for parking lots, bleachers, pools, outdoor seating, driving ranges, hotels, restaurants, housing complexes and numerous other outdoor recreational facilities)

• Architectural Sun Sails and Kites (Our line of sun sails provide shade while adding an appealing architectural element. Available in three-point triangles and four-point rectangles – with various height options. Sails are offered in an array of sizes and colors to meet specific needs.)
• Our kites add a dramatic flare to the standard hip and ridge roof style squares. One column is extremely higher than the other three columns, creating a unique look while providing maximum protection from the sun. Kites are offered in an array of sizes and colors to meet your specific needs.
• School, Daycare Facilities and Academy canopies
• Carwash and carport canopies
• Walkway Canopies and Sun Shelters

Note: Some shade companies are promoting cover tensioning systems that use a sliding mechanism atop the hip beams. Such systems add significantly to the cost of a unit and tend to fail or jam at the worst possible time – when you have to quickly remove a cover for a fast-approaching hurricane or tornado. Also, many of these sliding systems require special tools which tend to get lost when you really need them. Apollo Sunguard uses a simple, cost-effective, fail-safe turnbuckle system to tension its covers.

Information for Architects and Designers about our architectural canopies and commercial shade structures.

Electric Car News: Apollo Sunguard, Shade Innovators, Keeps You Powered AND Protected with the EVer Cool ™ Shaded Charge Stations for Electric Cars

EVerCool charge stations for electric cars, seamlessly integrate Apollo Sunguard shade structures with high-performance EV charging units by GE, ChargePoint and other quality manufacturers.

• Apollo Sunguard’s EVerCool Charge Stations for electric cars will keep vehicles cool with NO kilowatt consumption.

• Exterior and interior finishes protected from excessive heat & UV rays.

• Cabin temperatures are 100°F lower than in the open sun.

• Battery stays significantly cooler.

• 15 minutes faster charge time.

• Saves an average of 2KW per charging event

Electric Car News -Study Report Here (PDF):

Study on the Effects of Sunshading on Electric Vehicle Battery Temperature and Energy Consumption

Why We’re Different

• We manufacture all our own products
• We can provide custom canopies in a variety of sizes and colors
• We are the largest Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business manufacturer in our area of the U.S.
• Our fabric canopies are 80% water repellent; lower ambient temperature by 20°F while blocking UV rays by up to 97%
• Sunguard Shade Cloth canopies are available in 19 colors
• The shade structure’s steel frame is available in a powder coated finish (10 colors) or galvanized
• We offer best non-prorated warranty in the industry. (Steel: 10 years, Fabric: 15 years

Types of Clients Served: Government (GSA Schedule 23V, Contract No. GS-30F-0029Y), Prime Contractors, Major Corporations

Clients (Current and Past): Department of Defense (DOD), Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA), State Department, General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Apollo Sunguard Capabilities Statement (PDF):

Apollo Sunguard, Experts in Charging Stations for Electric Cars and Commercial Shade Systems

Sarasota Home and Garden Show Features Shade Wing Sun Canopy

The Home and Garden Show in Sarasota Bradenton Florida was designed to assist homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and home decorating.

This year’s Spring Home and Garden Show was held the 18 to 20th of January at the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center in Sarasota, Florida. This popular Home Show was organized by American Consumer Shows.

Manufacturers, importers and exporters of Kitchen wares, Home Electronics, Appliances, Bathroom Items, Furniture, General Gifts, Personal Accessories, Home Repair Items, Home Decoration, and Leisure Items featured their products and services for area visitors.

The exhibitors for the home and garden show also included companies and professionals for: Air Conditioning, Kitchens & Accessories, Air Filtration, Canopies & Awnings, Landscaping & Design, Appliances, Lawn Services, Architects, Lighting, Art & Accessories, Lumber, Awnings, Masonry Products, Bathrooms & Accessories, Mortgages, Builders & Contractors, and Outdoor Play Systems.

Watch the Spring Home & Garden Show video to learn about our newest sun canopy for residential use.

Home & Garden Show FAQs: (good to keep in mind for the 2014 Sarasota Florida Show)

What is the cost to attend?
Admission is FREE.

Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at no charge.

Where can I buy tickets?
Admission is FREE, tickets are not being sold for this show.

Can I purchase products at the show?
Yes, many exhibitors sell their products or contract for services on-site at the show, often at a discount. Ask individual exhibitors for details.

Are discount admission coupons available?
No, admission is FREE for this show.

Are food and refreshments available?
Yes, there is a concession during show hours where snacks and beverages can be purchased.

Does the facility have wheelchair access?
Yes, but the facility does not have wheelchairs available for public use.

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, strollers are welcome in all areas of the show floor.

Show Address:

Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center
8005 15th Street East
Sarasota, FL 34243

Show Hours: (May change for next year’s event)

Friday, January 18, 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday, January 19, 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 20, 10:00am – 6:00pm

How do I become an exhibitor?
Call toll-free 888-560-EXPO(3976)

There were 100’s of exhibits with the latest ideas for home remodeling and landscaping.  As well as, product demonstrations and expert advice from the pros along with kitchen, flooring, furnishing, spa, pool, canopy and sunroom displays.

Be sure to watch our video to see our latest new product, the Shade Wing Sun Canopy for residential use.

Visit our Product Page to learn more about our various canopy shade structures and commercial shade systems.

For Home Show event information visit Angie’s List recommendations.

WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2013

WHERE: Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex
3000 NW 199 Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
(786) 279-1222

FREE Admission to Parks and Recreation Professionals

****Door Prizes****
Including a FREE 2013 Conference Registration

Welcome new ideas and opportunities for all your Parks and Recreation needs… It’s all here for you!

If you are getting ready to plan your summer recreation, build or open a new facility, need lighting or parks items, looking for aquatic and/or fitness equipment…the vendor expo is the place to be!

Visit www.frpa.org for 2013 Calendar and online registration.

The Southeast Region
Education Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2013

WHERE: Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex
3000 NW 199 Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
(786) 279-1222

Schedule of Events

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration and breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:35 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
Project Management for the Parks and Recreation Professional: The Accidental Project Manager
Jim Barnes, Director of Operations, Wellington Parks and Recreation
‘Project Manager’ may or may not be your title, but everyone should build skills for getting things done. In this session, you’ll learn the difference between an assignment/program and a project, then get tips and tools for bringing projects to successful completion.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will understand and recognize the elements that make up a project.
2. Participants will understand a framework for addressing projects.
3. Participants will focus on project requirements and understand the importance of project teams.
0.1 CEUs

9:35 a.m. –9:45 a.m. Break
9:45 a.m. –10:55 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

It Starts In Parks-Tips, Tools and Tactics to implement the Refreshed Marketing Program!

Jim Barnes, Director of Operations, Wellington Parks and Recreation All brands must change and evolve. Marketing methods have changed since the It Starts In Parks program was introduced. With the influx of social media usage, messages must be clear and concise. FRPA has rolled out a refreshed ISIP program. Learn about its development and how you can hit the ground running with the tools and tips we offer in this session.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will become familiar with the new ISIP logos and messages.
2. Participants will know what tools are available to them to implement the program.
3. Participants will understand the importance of branding in marketing.
0.1 CEUS

Summer Camp –Ask US!

Michelle Zimmer, Recreation Superintendent, Tamarac Parks and Recreation
Susan Riestra, Recreation Programmer II, Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation
This panel session will focus on camps around the tri-county area. Logistics, forms, policies, procedures…and also a little fun! Bring your own forms to share!

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will be able to establish new policies for their summer camp program.
2. Participants will acquire a list of resources to assist with summer camp at their agency.
3. Participants will be able to revise procedures for their summer camp program.
0.1 CEUs

10:55 a.m. –11:05 a.m. Break
11:05 a.m. –12:05 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

PLAY! Playground Design and Maintenance with Both Children and Staff in Mind

Vivian Figueroa, Playground Consultant, Kompan, Inc.

For a playground to thrive, good maintenance is essential. In this session, you will learn how to maximize your agency’s playground maintenance efforts by properly identifying equipment that requires less maintenance and is more durable in the tough environment we all as the playground. This session will help you define your maintenance needs as a key to protecting your investment, managing risk, improving children’s play experiences, promoting community values, and controlling expenses as well as discuss innovations in playground design, equipment, and materials that consider both users of the equipment as well as the staff that maintains the equipment.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will define the importance of playground maintenance as a key to maximizing playground value.
2. Participants will identify potentially hazardous conditions and describe solutions to correct these problems to ensure a safer play environment.
3. Participants will develop standard requirements for playground equipment and surfacing for sustainable playground maintenance.
0.1 CEUs

Successful Seasons Start Here! – Making Youth Sports Parents Your Partners

Kate Dilworth, Marketing Director, National Alliance for Youth Sports

All too often a negative light is cast on youth sports parents. Yelling form the stands, fights, threats, and gambling, we have heard it all! Setting expectations, keeping open communication, and empowering parents will ensure that instead of being problems, parents serve as essential partners in your youth sports program.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will strategize for a successful season by setting expectations and attaining feedback.
2. Participants will assess reactive vs. proactive measures of managing parents.
3. Participants will understand the mind-set of the youth sports parent and how to meet their needs.
0.1 CEUs

***No Lunch is included in Meeting Fee***
Bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic in the park before going to the Vendor Expo
Also the concession by Miami Gardens will by open onsite
Or there is a number of fast food restaurants located on NW 27th Ave., only a mile away

1:00 p.m. Vendor Expo Starts

Many local and area vendors will be available to book and plan your summer recreation field trips, entertainment, arts and crafts projects, events and many more.

Florida Recreation and Park Association, Inc. and The Southwest Region

“Turning the Pages…” Education Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, February 14, 2013

WHERE: North Collier Regional Park 15000 Livingston Road Naples, FL 34119 (239) 252-4018

Register Online at www.frpa.org

Schedule of Events

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
Silent Auction (8:00 am – 12:30 pm)
8:45 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. Welcome
9:00 a.m. –10:05 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Partnering Your Way to Facility Success

Marcia Bowen, Recreation Area Manager, Orlando Families, Parks, and Recreation

Facilities provide a unique opportunity to form partnerships, especially in today’s world with everyone trying to maximize resources. Multi-party partnerships can involve several partners from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Get perspectives on joint provision of recreation centers that can result in savings. Bring examples of your successful partnerships to share with others.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will identify examples of successful facility partnerships.
2. Participants will discuss contractual arrangements and control mechanisms to assure accountability.
3. Participants will share agreements/contracts from other cities/counties with successful facility arrangements.

Insect Invaders in Your Parks

Dan Lott, Supervisor, Lee County Parks and Recreation

Participants will learn to recognize various insects present in our parks, turf damaging, plant damaging, stinging and beneficial.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will identify insects present in their parks.
2. Participants will learn which insects are harmful and which are not.
3. Participants will learn the proper controls if necessary.
0.1 CEUs

10:05 a.m. –10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. –11:20 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Accident Management: Controlling the Chaos

Amy Blackman, Supervisor, West Palm Beach Parks and Recreation

What happens during and after the accident is crucial to staff, the victim and your agency. This session will explore the 5 basic steps of accident investigation through group exercises and scenarios.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will recognize the proper procedures to manage the accident scene.
2. Participants will identify the importance of gathering information.
3. Participants will outline the steps to recommend corrective actions through job safety analysis, policy changes and equipment changes.

Am I Too Tired to be Nice?

Christine Davlin, Tourism Education and Training Manager, Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau

Often we feel tired and overworked which can lead to flipping on the “auto-pilot” switch. The problem is, we don’t always see how it affects our coworkers or customers. First, we have to be aware of our actions and then learn ways to overcome negativity. Ultimately leading to the revival of our passion within, and creating a pleasant environment for all.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will recognize the tendency to fall into a slump or “auto-pilot” at work.
2. Participants will identify the affects that our mind-set has on our interactions with co-workers and customers.
3. Participants will describe ways to overcome our attitudes, habits, and perceptions to create a more enjoyable atmosphere.
0.1 CEUs

Tech Tips & Tricks: Small Engine Equipment

James “Skip” Franklin, Senior Supervisor, Lee County Parks and Recreation
This session will provide an overview of the general maintenance and repairs of 2 and 4 cycle engines including some diesel.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Participants will recognize and understand the difference between 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines.
2. Participants will identify and address common maintenance requirements on 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines.
3. Participants will discuss troubleshooting and making repairs to common problems that occur on 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines.
0.1 CEUs

11:20 a.m. –11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. –12:35 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

On Target for Life

Amy Emme, Performance HypnoCoach, AHA Center
This session will show how one’s state of mind determines their state of success.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will identify where reaction comes from and how to change it to a healthy response.
2. Participants will learn to disperse pressure and produce successful outcomes.
3. Participants will learn how to mind reprogramming will help them move beyond their limitations.

Social and Wellness Value of Senior Group Exercise

Lindy Smith, Owner, Lindy Smith, LLC
Loud rock music? No talking during class? No Chairs? If you are reaching out to our seniors, know the success factors that will make your program the “social and wellness” hot spot of your facility.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will identify through group brainstorming, the key components of a successful group exercise environment for seniors.
2. Participants will compare and contrast the environment for successful senior exercise with the environment of “typical” exercise class and list those differences for future reference.
3. Participants will observe the speaker conducting a mock group exercise class for seniors and chart the language, social interaction and physical expectations necessary for a successful class.

Reducing Stormwater Runoff and Rainwater Harvesting Solutions

Thomas Becker, Extension Agent, FYN program
Rain and irrigation water can carry soil, debris, fertilizers and pesticides to the nearest body of water. Polluted water can be slowed down and/or filtered using the right plant alternatives, GI-BMPs and rainwater harvesting and irrigation technologies. This session discusses one freshwater lake’s nutrient problem and the multi-lateral plant and practice solutions to reduce stormwater runoff.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants can recall several best management practices when maintaining a lake’s shoreline.
2. Participants can describe several plants and their characteristics that are most useful for filtering stormwater pollutants.
3. Participants will be able to name the major parts of a rainwater harvesting and irrigation distribution system.
0.1 CEUs

12:35 p.m. –1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. –1:30 p.m. Live Auction and Silent Auction Results

**2 Night stay for 2 persons at The Gasparilla Inn and Club in Boca Grande, FL **
Includes Room, breakfast for two in main dining room, daily service charge, and one round of golf for two with cart and taxes (bases on availability-Sunday through Thursday only-excludes holidays)
(must use during 2013 Spring Season April 1-July 7, 2013)

If you are not attending the Meeting you can still bid Download the Absent Bidder Form at www.frpa.org

1:40 p.m. –2:45 p.m

The 360 Degree Leader

Amy Blackman, Supervisor, West Palm Beach Parks and Recreation

Is it possible to lead well when you’re not the top dog? The answer is YES! This session will discuss, explore and give you techniques to assist you from leading anywhere in your agency. You will leave with a plan to be a successful leadership no matter where you fall in the organizational chart.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will recognize CHALLENGES that may be holding participants back from being a leader in their organization.
2. Participants will identify and dismiss any MYTHS that may be holding participants back from being a leader in their organization.
3. Participants will develop a plan to lead supervisors, peers, and staff that they supervise to be implemented at work.

Roundtable (no ceu’s)

They are everywhere! Are you wondering how other agencies handle those unauthorized vendors and sports trainers that just show up in your park? This group will discuss the issues you have with this situation and how it is being dealt with in other areas. Come prepared with situations and possible solutions and join in on this timely discussion.

Mark your calendar for this amazing Florida event. We look forward to seeing you there January 24th!

Florida Recreation and Park Association, Inc. and The Central Region

“Recreation 360°, Education for All”

 WHEN:
Thursday, January 24, 2013

See Event details below or visit www.frpa.org

 WHERE: All Peoples Life Center
6105 E. Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33617
(813) 744-5978

Schedule of Events

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Announcements from FRPA President Elaine Smith
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Opening Speaker –Paul Shulte, Orlando Magic Wheels US Paralympian
Bronze Medal –Wheelchair Basketball
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Paralympic Sports 101

Melinda Wheatley, Senior Recreation Therapist, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation

This session will outline the basics of Paralympic Sports locally, nationally, and internationally. Information will be given on how to start a club, how the Tampa Bay Club is organized and how to become more involved with sports for people with physical disabilities. Equipment, classification, disabilities, and sports, will be discussed followed by an interactive activity.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will learn how existing US Paralympic Sport Clubs are organized and run.
2. Participants will get an overview of all Paralympic Sports on all levels including resources on classification, rules, and adapted equipment.
3. Participants will discuss how to include people with physical disabilities in their programs and how to encourage them to participant in recreational and competitive adapted sports.

Stellar Summer Techniques 101
Kisha Dennis-Perry, Recreation Program Supervisor, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Dona J. Smith, Recreation Program Supervisor, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation

In this session recreation leaders will be given the tools to execute a positive, rewarding and less stressful summer camp experience. Attendees will engage in interactive activities, and learn techniques to keep their participants and parents happy.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will describe at least three techniques to help with parent communication.
2. Participants will identify behavior issues, prevent potential problems and learn resolution tactics.
3. Participants will summarize the key components needed to have an effective summer camp.

Working Together to Combat Invasive Species Across Boundaries
Cynthia Grizzle, Environmental Scientist, Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc.

Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas(CISMAs) have cropped up all over the state to lessen the impact of invasive plants and animals on our natural areas. By learning about the tools available and using them locally, participants will understand the value of CISMA partnerships.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will understand how important it is to work across boundaries to prevent the spread of invasive species.
2. Participants will learn to use resources available from local CISMAs: FISP and CISMA website, EDRR, workshops, meetings.
3. Participants will practice identifying common invasive plants that threaten natural areas.

9:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.

WET, WILD and WOODSY!

Karen Folsom, Site Administrator, Nature’s Classroom Environmental Studies

This hands-on session will preview three award winning programs, Project WET, WILD and LEARNING TREE, which are available to you to help get youth outdoors, build confidence, encourage problem-solving and decision-making, and develop stewardship of the environment – all while having fun! Come see what they are all about!

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will demonstrate their understanding of a given topic by successfully completing a task given.
2. Participants will communicate opinions and ideas with small and large groups.
3. Participants will demonstrate movement from awareness to knowledge gain to action of the topics discussed.

10:30 a.m. –10:40 a.m. Break
10:40 a.m. –11:40 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Sports for People with Disabilities

Melinda Wheatley, Senior Recreation Therapist, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation

This session will give you an overview of how to provide people with physical limitations various sports activities. The session will feature information and interactive examples of several different sports for individuals with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputations and visual impairments.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will learn how to implement at least 3 different sports for people with physical disabilities through basic rule knowledge, coaching tips and facility/equipment set up.
2. Participants will learn how adapted equipment can enhance the lives of people with disabilities through recreation and competitive sports.
3. Participants will be able to actively experience these sports by playing games and using the equipment.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears Oh My!
Marty Bradley, Recreation Program Supervisor, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Mary Clements Fowler, Recreation Program Supervisor, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Are you looking for something new? Does your program need a lift? Tired of the same old, same old? Come find out how to turn that “same old” into something new.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will learn how to develop a special event.
2. Participants will learn how to create games and craft projects from a one word theme.
3. Participants will leave with several ideas and ways to conduct a special event or project.

Preliminary Assessment of Introduced Tegus in Hillsborough County
Tessie Offner, University of Tampa

The Argentine black and white Tegu grows to be 4.5 feet long, eats both plants and animals. Preliminary data from a recent study of 18 captured Tegu’s will be discussed. Understanding current impacts and planning for the future are critical for addressing this invasive threat.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will learn to identify Argentine black and white Tegu.
2. Participants will discuss possible impacts of Tegu on public and private lands.
3. Participants will learn who to contact in the event of a Tegu sighting.

11:40 a.m. –11:50 a.m. Break
11:50 a.m. –12:50 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

It Starts In Parks-Tips, Tools and Tactics to implement the Refreshed Marketing Program!

Chris Caldwell, CPRP, Director, Winter Springs Parks and Recreation All brands must change and evolve. Marketing methods have changed since the It Starts In Parks program was introduced. With the influx of social media usage, messages must be clear and concise. FRPA has rolled out a refreshed ISIP program. Learn about its development and how you can hit the ground running with the tools and tips we offer in this session.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will become familiar with the new ISIP logos and messages
2. Participants will know what tools are available to them to implement the program.
3. Participants will understand the importance of branding in marketing.

Teen Summer Programs 2013

Bill Beekley, Recreation Program Specialist, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Alan M Transki, Recreation Program Specialist, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation

Join us to learn new ways of implementing summer programs for teens. We will share proven techniques, unique activities, and discuss incentive programs.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will identify successful strategies for recreational programs geared towards middle and high school age young people.
2. Participants will identify alternate discipline strategies that proved to be successful with the targeted age group.
3. Participants will discuss innovative methods of encouraging participation in activities during the eight week summer program.

Gopher Tortoises: Protected Species on your Property
Cynthia Grizzle, Environmental Scientist, Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc.
Gopher tortoises are a threatened species in Florida. Learn more about the species during this session and what to do if you have burrows on your property.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will recognize a gopher tortoise burrow and understand why the species is important.
2. Participants will learn which agency to contact for questions about gopher tortoise permitting.
3. Participants will be able to describe the most common methods of gopher tortoise capture for relocation purposes.

Connecting with Seniors
Rick Valdez, Area Program Supervisor, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation This generation is booming and they should be a part of your core target audience. Learn how to develop a senior partnership program and the benefits of incorporating them into your mission. Discuss program ideas and your role as a coach. Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will learn how a senior partnership program benefits the community.
2. Participants will learn how to develop a partnership program and hear the benefits from a community leaders’ perspective.
3. Participants will learn program ideas and the coaches role with this age group.

12:50 p.m. –2:00 p.m. Lunch (Pulled Pork or Chicken, sides, and Tea)

Apollo Sunguard’s cable and turn buckle shade canopies feature an innovative knotting system that simplifies removal.

Our commercial canopies can be removed in less than three minutes with no tools required and replaced just as easily.

Canopy removal can be accomplished with only two people.

Scroll down to read Apollo Sunguard’s canopy removal instructions.

Watch this short video to see how easy it is:

Easy Canopy Removal Instructions:

We begin at opposite corners by opening the velcro pockets and loosening the turn buckles. At least one of the turn buckles must be released completely.

Then we release the cable and the fabric pin at the end of each corner. Note that our long lasting cables are not coated because coating can degrade once exposed to sun’s UV rays. Once the fabric is released it can slide off easily. Be careful not to snag the fabric when removing or replacing the shade canopy.

Note that there is no need to remove the cable unless the canopy cover will need to be folded for winter storage.

Easy Apollo Sunguard Canopy Replacement

To replace the canopy, begin by tossing a 50-foot rope over the top of the shade structure. Then tie a slip knot over one corner of the fabric. A secure knot makes it easy to pull the sun canopy back into position.

Slide the knot back to the reinforcing hoops so that the holes of the pins are exposed. This will make it easier to secure the corner when the shade canopy is stretched tight with the rope. Repeat this step on the adjacent corner.

Next, pull the cover over the shade structure, again, taking care to avoid snags. Then secure the ropes to prevent the canopy cover from sliding back off. One person should pull the fabric taut using the rope in a tugging action while the other person secures the corner.

Once the four corners are in place, simply reattach any open turn buckles and tighten. Then close the velcro covers and you’re done.

For the production of this video, our team performed complete removal and replacement of the sun canopy in less than ten minutes.

Ease of use combined with 97% protection from UV rays, a twelve-year warranty, and innovative designs make Apollo Sunguard the perfect fit for your outdoor shade structure needs.

We will be introducing our brand new affordable residential shade systems. These units are lightweight, easy to assemble, come in assorted colors, run between $800-$900 and are made in the U.S.A.

Come visit our booth at the Sarasota Bradenton Florida Home Show on Friday January 18 thru Sunday, January 20, 2013.

The show will be at the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center that is located at 8005 15th Street East, Sarasota, FL 34243. Mapquest Location Map

The show hours are 10am – 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am – 6pm on Sunday. Admission is FREE.