SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2006

MORNING CEU WORKSHOPS: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
All workshops award 0.2 CEUs, pending approval, except where noted.

20
Commissioners: Why Benefits? Why Now?
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Panel of Experts
Chair: Tracy Alden, Western Springs Recreation Department

This session is a must for all commissioners. This workshop will provide attendees the information and tools for a successful "Benefits Program." Learn how good parks influence your community, referendums, elections, health property values and quality of life.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn about the ways parks and recreation enhance the quality of life in our communities; (2) Learn who to communicate your benefits message to, how to communicate it and what to communicate.

21
Professional Certification, It's Your Choice
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): William Wald, Chief Executive Officer, IPRA; Mike Clark, Executive Director, Batavia Park District
Chair: Dorothy Brink, IPRA

Learn about the benefits of being certified and what certification is all about. Find out what it takes to become certified and how to maintain your certification.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn the history of professional certification and rhe development of criteria used for the certification process; (2) Gain an understanding of the exam process and certification maintenance.

34 Illinois Parks and Recreation www.ILipra.org

MORNING CEU WORKSHOPS: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
All workshops award 0.2 CEUs, pending approval, except where noted.

27
Park and Recreation as a Career: A Generation From Extinction
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Tim Barlett, Superintendent of Planing and Operations, Urbana Park District; Dan Yodet, Professor, Western Illinois University; Gail Ito, Board Member, Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation Department
Chair: Ellen Kirsanoff, Urbana Park District

While there are seemingly many positions, potential parks and recreation employees are not being employed and graduates find it difficult to get positions. Many university curriculums are full, but how many of these students are going into public recreation? Young professionals say they cannot raise a family on the salaries paid in the parks and recreation fields. Is our profession a generation away from extinct? This session will explore what is going on in the field and how we need to focus on marketing our profession to young people and the changes we may need to make to keep our profession going into the 21st century.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Identify solutions that every professional can do to keep our profession from becoming extinct; (2) Identify at least five marketing strategies that can be accomplished in every public park and recreation agency to increase public awareness and understanding of our field.

103
IAPD Research: What You can Use Now
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Peter Dyke, Past Chair of Research Advisory Council, Thompson Dyke & Associates; Dan Martin, Senior Associate for Economic Research Association; Lynn McClure, President, McClure Communications; Peter Murphy, General Counsel, IAPD
Chair: Peter Dyke, Thompson Dyke & Associates

Over the years, IAPD has championed a number of research projects to provide those who champion the cause of parks, recreation and conservation data about the health and economic benefits parks bring to the people of Illinois. This session will reintroduce you to that body of knowledge and urge you to put that research to such practical uses as winning public support for your next capital project or increasing revenues at your golf course. The IAPD Research Advisory Council has gathered many research studies and will share them with you at this session.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn how to use research to build revenue and evaluate revenue opportunities; (2) Learn how to use research to influence the public.

123
They're Heeeeeere. Negotiating and Working with a Union
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Bill Patterson, Executive Director, Oak Forest Park District; Phil Yoder, Parks and Properties Director, Northbrook Park District; Laura Newman, Attorney, Wessels and Paustch, P.C.
Chair: Mary Ann Chambers, Northbrook Park District

Your employees have voted in favor of representation. Now, you need to negotiate a contract and determine the work rules. This session features park district professionals with experience in negotiating union contracts and managing union and non-union employees within the same district. In addition, Laura Newman, an attorney specializing in employment law, will provide insights into the legal issues involved in dealing with union employees and representatives.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Gain insight into the negotiation process; (2) Receive practical information on implementing the contract on a day-to-day basis.

210
Tree Risk Management - Strategies for Reducing Liability
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Scott Franz, Director of Tree Operations and Chief Consulting Arborist, Arbor Green Ltd.
Chair: Dave LeMar, Elmhurst Park District

This workshop will bring park managers up to speed on the need for developing and implementing risk management programs for their tree populations.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn to develop affordable risk management programs, policies and procedures based on best management practices and current case law; (2) Be able to identify and address potential risks associated with trees in public areas.

311
Appreciative Review: A New Way to Evaluate Employees
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Steve Gulden, Director of Parks and Recreation, Romeoville Recreation Department
Chair: Mike Brottman, Elk Grove Park District

Appreciative review is a new evaluation process that can be used to supplement the standard point-based evaluation system. Appreciative review requires supervisors to include an employee's positive characteristics and contributions to ensure balance and honest dialogue in the evaluation process.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Be introduced to the appreciative review process and understand how it creates engagement and useful feedback; (2) Learn how appreciative review differs from, and is better than, the traditional organizational evaluation system.

www.ilparks.org September/October 2005 35

MORNING CEU WORKSHOPS: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
All workshops award 0.2 CEUs, pending approval, except where noted.

410
Learning for Life Curriculum - Day Camp Curriculum Support
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Lorraine Beasley, Supervisor, Premeire Event
Planner and Antwain Hicks, Daycamp Supervisor, Fox Valley Park District; Andi Sherman, Learning for Life Executive, Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council
Chair: Lorraine Beasley, Fox Valley Park District

Looking for new and innovative programming for your day and teen programs? Don't reinvent the wheel. Learning for Life is your answer! This is an excellent K-12 curriculum with activity sheets, interactive CD-ROM and an incentives program to build life, character and leadership skills. Pre- and post tests are included. Learn how easy it is to teach with onsitc and continuous support from LFL executives.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Gain an understanding on how to apply the LFL program to enhance current park district programs and day camps; (2) Receive sample lesson plans, pre- and post tests for measurable reporting and activity sheets that can be used right away today.

519
Portable Initiaves
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Kurt Podeszwa, Director of Camping and Outdoor Programs, Timber Point Outdoor Camp
Chair: Jennifer Bruecks, Tri County SRA

This session will teach participants how to lead an effective team building program without traditional low ropes elements
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn new initiatives and activities that are easy to transport and affordable to make or buy; (2) Learn how to adapt activities to fit smaller indoor spaces and a high participant to facilitator ratio.

617
Starting a New Fitness Center
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): A.J. Collier II, Health and Fitness Manager, Bartlett Park District; Tim Brennan and Tim Green, Managing Partners, Direct Fitness Solutions
Chair: A.J. Collier, Bartlett Park District

With today's emphasis on healthier living, more and more park districts are adding fitness centers to the top of their wish lists. This workshop will address the outfitting of your new fitness center, the do's and the don'ts.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn that equipment choices can vary depending on potential users and how to choose the right equipment for their applications; (2) Learn that the layout of the facility is the most important piece of the puzzle.

620
Construction Reality Check: Issue Resolution After Facility Move-In
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Tom Tristano,AIA, Principal, Peter Suhr, Senior Associate and Barbara Dutton, Williams Architects; Scott Triphahn, President, W-T Engineering, Inc.
Chair: Peter Suhr, Williams Architects, Inc.

Discover from this presentation by an architect, an engineer and a builder the realities of issues surrounding the implementation of your vision for a new facility. Various viewpoints will be offered, as will tips for resolving construction and design-related issues.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Develop an awareness of the responsibilities of various participants in the process of designing and constructing a facility; (2) Learn about issues that frequently surface during facility delivery and occupancy.

1006
Entertaining from Golf Courses to Dining Venues 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Gloria Peterson, President, Global Protocol, Inc.
Chair: Valerie Pang, Chicago Public School System

Whether you are host or guest, it takes careful planning, a professional demeanor and the right planning skills to be successful at entertaining clients or comfortable attending agency events. Use your entertaining savvy to make your guests feel special, develop public support, and show appreciation.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Identify the techniques and tools needed to master the role of host or guest in a variety of venues; (2) Identify the steps for planning and staging events from invitation to dress code.

36 Illinois Parks and Recreation www.ILipra.org

AFTERNOON CEU WORKSHOPS 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All workshops award 0.2 CEUs, pending approval, except where noted.

13
New Directors or Administrators
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Michael Clark, Executive Director, Batavia Park District; Bill Wald, Chief Executive Officer, IPRA
Chair: Yvonne Illenberg, IPRA

This session is for new directors or administrators. An experienced administrator will speak to the group about avoiding pitfalls and what to expect.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Discover ways to develop their employees; (2) Learn tips for supervising former peers and current friends.

16
The Politics of Revenue...How to be Politically Astute, Yet Apolitical
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Jerry Handlon, Retired Executive Director, Schaumburg Park District
Chair: Matt White, IPRA

Political games or universally accepted fundraising tactics? Schmoozing or development work? Find our the difference and similarities at this in-depth workshop gears to the executive level recreation professional. Dialogue will be encouraged about the ethics of fundraising and philosophies of "how far one should go" to win the competition for grants and sponsorships.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Discover the competitive aspects of lobbying for revenue and leveraging government grants with local funding; (2) Identify politically sensitive fees and charges and dealing with revenue generating special interest groups.

19
Media Interview Training
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Stephen Mongelluzzo, President, First Communications; Tim Dimke, Chief Executive Officer, Rockford Park District
Chair: Sheila Lowrey, IPRA

This workshop provides you the opportunity to understand techniques that will help you effectively deliver your messages during media interviews.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn techniques of specific skills for each type of media: print, TV and radio; (2) Learn to be prepared for tricks of the media and types of questions to anticipate.

111
Ask the Commissioner
(NO CEUS AWARDED FOR THIS SESSION)
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Steve Paczolt, Treasurer, Park District of La Grange; Scott Jeffrey, Commissioner, Bryon Park District; Roy Sansone, Commissioner, Park District of Forest Park; George Longmeyer, Commissioner, Schaumburg Park District
Chair: Wendell Howell, Hoffman Estates Park District

Calling all commissioners, newly elected or longtime board members! This is an open forum available for new and long-time board members to ask seasoned commissioners any questions regarding park district operations, procedures, Roberts Rules, etc. Come prepared to get straight answers to questions on all facets of being an effective commissioner.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Gain insights from the experience of veteran commissioners; (2) Network with commissioners from across the state.

207
Native Landscape with a Twist: Subtle Nuances of Native Strategies
1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Keith Rich, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Bloomington; Robin Hall, Adjunct Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Chair: Peter Dyke, Thompson, Dyke & Associates

The session will feature two important downstate projects at two different points in their maturity. The wildly successful Celia and Willet Wandell Sculpture Garden was established in 1998 by the Urbana Park District and is located in Meadowbrook Park. The juxtaposition of a large sculpture in a park dominated by wild flowers and native grasses is a site to behold and learn from. Geneva Park District's Peck Farm was developed over a period of years using native landscaping while accommodating a variety of active and passive uses. Tipton is a 50-acre native park amidst a residential development designed using effective eco-sensitive strategies. Now in its fourth year, the park is showing beautifully for the park system and the developer.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn that native landscape strategies are important for park and recreation districts to understand; (2) Learn that native and ecologically sensitive design strategies are now more commonplace, yet many citizens in Illinois remain unconvinced.

217
People Driven Playground Design
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Lawrence Raffel, Superintendent of Planning, Wheeling Park District
Chair: Mary Gardocki, Elk Grove Park District

As Park Professionals, it is our responsibility to insure that a playground is safe, accessible and appropriate for the goals and objectives of the park district. However by making the neighborhood residents an integral part of the design process, we are not only tapping into our best resource, we are creating a playground of which everyone can be proud.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will (1) Learn how to develop a public process that allows for neighborhood input and participation at all phases of the planning, design and construction process; (2) Learn how to implement a public notification and publicity program to ensure neighborhood involvement in the playground design process and continuing ownership in the neighborhood park.

315
Director Succession: To Search or Not to Search??
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Terry Schwartz, Director, PIVOT Recreation Resources, Counsilman/Hunsaker and Associates; Ted Flickinger, President/ CEO, IAPD
Chair: Nancy Aldrich, Arlington Heights Park District

Many agencies are preparing for the retirement of their long-term directors and are facing the question of whether to promote someone from within their agency or to conduct an external search. Which is the better alternative? In this interactive session, our panelists will share their insights and the pros and cons of both options, so that you can make the right choice for your agency.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Discuss the pros and cons of hiring a director from within and of conducting an external search; (2) Explore the ways an outside search firm can assist in the process of hiring a new director for an agency.

www.ilparks.org September/October 2005 37

AFTERNOON CEU WORKSHOPS 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All workshops award 0.2 CEUs, pending approval, except where noted.

417
Improve Your Programs through Visualization
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Barbara Elwood Schlatter Ph.D., Associate Professor and J. Robert Rossman Ph.D., Professor and Dean, Illinois State University
Chair: J. Robert Rossman Ph.D, Illinois State University

Unlike athletes, actors and musicians, you can't "practice" a program before you implement it. Visualization techniques help programmers "see" and "experience" their programs before they are implemented, resulting in improved programs.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn how to apply visualization techniques to recreation programming; (2) Learn to visualize their program plans from the perspective of participants, parents, spectators and managers which will help them solve potential problems before implementation.

517
Incorporating Other Therapies in Special Recreation Programs
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Mary Lou Shilling, Assistant Professor, Central Michigan University
Chair: Heidi Rubin, NISRA

Have you ever wondered how to help your participants achieve their greatest success? Imagine using parts of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in your recreation programs. This session will focus on health care industry trends and how to reach new target groups through marketing recreation programs with a therapeutic focus.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Understand the relationship between recreation activity and other therapies; (2) Identify partnering agencies or therapies that may be looking for recreation services that can be used to meet functional service needs of participants.

603
Upgrading Older Facilities on Smaller Budgets
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Doug Holzrichter, Vice President, PHN Architects, Ltd.
Chair: Ron Oestriech, Bolingbrook Park District

Everyone has facilities that need a facelift, but limited budgets and other priorities prohibit projects from moving forward. This session will detail ideas on upgrading older facilities while being mindful of the bottom line.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn ideas about how to upgrade facilities and save money doing so; (2) Discuss their experiences and give suggestions on what worked for them.

621
From Pro Forma to Productive: Meeting New Facility Financial Goals
1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Michael Williams; President, Williams Architects; Teena Mackey, Center of Elgin Director, City of Elgin
Chair: Arnie Biondo, Carol Stream Park District

Park agency directors and recreation managers planning or occupying a new facility need to understand issues pertaining to proforma projections and recognize what a realistic growth period is. This session will offer information about determining proforma projections, as well as marketing ideas to meet established financial targets.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Be presented with ideas for developing and implementing programs to generate income; (2) Be presented with strategies for aligning facility uses with community interests.

622
Solving the Challenges of Small Market Recreation Centers
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Daniel Atilano, AIA, Principal, Burnidge, Cassell and Associates, Inc.; Trudy Wakeman, Director of Parks and Recreation, Village of Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department; Greg Repede, Executive Director, Sugar Grove Park District; Kristin Knutson, Superintendent of Special Facilities, Channahon Park District; Doug Damery, Executive Director, Washington Park District
Chair: Charles J. Szoke, Channahon Park District

This fast-paced panel presentation will identify the challenges faced by park and recreadon agencies in communities of 30,000 and less. Learn how four agencies have creatively responded by partnering to construct a new facility; share space with school districts; and plan for adaptive reuse of a fire station and former school facility.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Hear the results of a statewide survey regarding the unique challenges in planning and operating a recreation center in a smaller community; (2) Learn how four agencies are creatively responding to the recreation center needs in their communities, and how the planning and successes can be applied to their agencies.

1007
Customer Service
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter(s): Elaine Robbins-Harris, Principal Consultant, Innovative Solutions
Chair: Valerie Pang, Chicago Public School System

The workshop will focus on two major elements of good customer sendee: basic customer service skills and the impact of personal integrity. The first half of the workshop will focus on listening and speaking with purpose, focusing on customer service skills. The second half of the workshop will focus on the individual employee as a major clement of the customer service situation, focusing on integrity and attitude.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Use effective communication skills to enhance employee and customer relationships; (2) Increase their abilities to "connect" with customers and make a positive contribution to the service and reputation of an agency.

38 Illinois Parks and Recreation www.ILipra.org

39 Illinois Parks and Recreation www.ILipra.org

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