2 official publication of the georgia recreation and … 2013 magazine.pdfofficial publication of...

Official PublicatiOn Of the GeOrGia recreatiOn and Park assOciatiOn • Summer 2013

In This Issue

Cooking Up a Great Teen Camp

Carver Sunshine Community Gardenwww.grpa.org

2 Official Publication of the Georgia Recreation and Park Association • www.grpa.org

www.grpa.org • Recreation & Parks in GeoRGia 3

DePARtmentsFrom the President ........................................................................4Detrick stanford, CPRP

From the executive Director .........................................................5Jimmy Gisi, CPRP

GRPA Corporate members ............................................................ 7

FeAtuResGRPA spotlight: stacy Green ........................................................4

What I Have Learned ...................................................................11

Cooking up a Great teen Camp .................................................. 12

Carver sunshine Community Garden ........................................ 14

Cow Invasion at summer Camp ................................................. 16

ADveRtIseRs InDexAmeC ........................................................................................... 10Anaconda sports .......................................................................... 13Barge Waggoner sumner & Cannon, Inc. .................................. 15BCI Burke Company, LLC .............................................................6John Deere .....................................................................................9Innovative Fitness ........................................................................ 15most Dependable Fountains, Inc. .................................................2musco Lighting ............................................................................ 10sports turf Company, Inc. .......................................................... 15Wood+Partners Inc. ..................................................................... 15

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In this Issue

published May 2013 • 2013/1

For the past year now, I have been watching my 11-year-old son, Dylan, begin to learn what leadership is all about. As a tenor drummer in the local high school band, he is the one respon-sible for learning the rudiments, executing the formation, bonding with his drummates and keeping tabs on all of the equipment he has been issued — all while trying to understand what changes are awaiting as he transitions to middle school this year as a sixth-grader.

It’s a variation of a million sports metaphors or the famous quote from the movie Drumline used to describe leadership. However, seeing this transpire firsthand, watching as a young man gets his first experience at a leadership role, has given me a much clearer view of the difficult job of serving as a volunteer leader in associations.

Although some would say my son has the easy job — after all, he’s not the new sixth-grade tuba player for the high school band — it’s clear to me it may not be so easy. He clearly feels a keen, personal sense of responsibility for the band’s success. After a competition or perfor-mance, I know at a glance whether to greet him with a fist bump or stay away as he intently lis-tens to the band director provide instructions on what he needs to correct in order to ensure a better performance for the continued success of the band.

as board members, we have high-level responsibility, and

we care deeply about GRPa’s success.

volunteer leaders are on the same sheet of music, so to speak. As board members, we have high-level responsibility, and we care deep-ly about GRPA’s success. We need to assess results and understand failures. We need to see clearly what’s ahead, set a course of action and then march to our spot on the field in lead-ership positions, thereby creating a “clearer view” for others outside the formation to see. It may seem to be a crazy band metaphor, but nothing about that is easy. As long as you’re a part of the band, nothing is greater than the collective sound of the many instruments com-ing together as One — just like the success of our association.

Kudos to the many who provide their time and talents to lead our association and to the members whose support makes it worthwhile to do so!

Detrick stanford, CPRP

“One Band, One sound”

From the President

stacy Green is the epitome of a Georgia Recreation and Park Association pro-fessional. Born and raised in the city of Decatur, stacy grew up in the Decatur community. Her mom, Glenda Lee, who has been with the city of Decatur for 30 years and counting, started stacy out as one of the “Kids of the Rec,” where she played recreational soccer, softball and basketball and was one of the only girls on the rec football and baseball teams

growing up. she was an active par-ticipant at Decatur High school, where, often after playing a basketball game, she would change clothes quickly so she could cheerlead for the boy’s games. she was a member of the marching band and played many varsity sports, includ-ing soccer and track.

stacy’s love of sports and people is ultimately what brought her back to the


GRPA Spotlight: stacy Green

the Georgia Recreation and Park Association was created some 68 years ago to provide a voice for professionals working in the lei-sure services industry in Georgia. I believe it has grown into an organization that has far exceeded even the most optimistic charter member in 1945. As with any new venture, our forefathers had no idea if the concept would catch on or if it would f lounder and eventu-ally disband. the first couple of years did nothing to build more faith, but they plugged along. As the decades passed, however, GRPA continued to grow and expand its services that were offered to the membership. each of those decades had leaders that emerged from the crowd to carry the torch forward, as evi-denced by the long list of professionals who have led the association.

that brings me to where we, as an association, are today. You are the owners and caretakers of this merry band of professionals. We recently had to apply for a Conyers business license for the first time, and there was a space on the application to list the business owner, so I left it blank. In the Conyers Planning & Develop-ment office, I was told that I had to fill in that space, but I told them that we have 1,700 owners from all over the state. After a lengthy debate and being told that I had to have a name there, I acquiesced and inserted my name with the words “on-site representative” in parenthe-ses beside it. It was a very difficult concept for

those staff members to understand, but, as you all know, sometimes governmental regulations are rather rigid.

What will you do with your ownership portion of this association? Will you never get involved, no matter how positive the experience could be? Will you offer to get involved and then not fol-low through with your commitment? Will you totally immerse yourself in making sure that you are involved and getting the biggest bang for your buck? Whatever your personal answer to the questions above, GRPA can only be as good or beneficial as you let it be. excellent continuing education programs and leadership opportunities are always available. the ears of the Board of trustees members and the GRPA staff members are always open and wanting to hear from you. Please share any ideas that you may have to make our association even better with your section chair, your district commis-sioner, other BOt members or the GRPA staff. not all ideas are always feasible, but you may have one that is very doable. I always go back to the old adage about questions that says, “the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.” the only stupid idea is the one you don’t throw on the table.

GRPA belongs to you, the member. I hope you find the time to get involved, ask questions, make suggestions and be a good owner. every decade needs its leaders, so could you be the one?

From the executive Director

GRPA Is Yours…

Jimmy Gisi, CPRP

city of Decatur after leaving to go to school in savannah. then she returned to Decatur and started working part-time with Decatur Rec and enrolled in Georgia state as a full-time stu-dent, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in African-American studies. While in school full-time, she became a full-time employee with the city and raised her son. stacy has now worked for the city of Decatur for more than 20 years (seven as a part-time staffer), where she has

been enthusiastically involved in youth and adult sports. she takes pride in the fact that she provides every kid the opportunity to play despite his or her religious, ethnic and socioeconom-ic background. Decatur Active Living offers all the traditional youth sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball and flag football. stacy was instrumental in helping start Decatur’s youth lacrosse program, which began in 2002. With the help of Decatur High school’s lacrosse coach, Don Rigger,

they introduced African-American kids in the Decatur community to the game of lacrosse. It started with 40 boys and now boasts four different age groups (boys and girls) with close to 200 active participants. Her son, satrick Green, also a product of Decatur Rec, is now at Limestone College on a lacrosse schol-arship. You can find stacy at Decatur Active Living using her skill, ambition and knowledge to help participants by providing a fun, rewarding and safe environment for youth athletes.



GRPA Corporate members

Allstar Moundsmike morgan706-278-7090www.allstarmounds.comallStar Mounds manufactures Fiberglass pitching mounds in Dalton, Georgia. allStar Mounds will last many seasons and will make a big difference to your Baseball Program!

AMECRon Huffman, AsLA, AICP770-421-3400www.amec.comParks design, master planning, landscape architecture and engineering

Architectual Design SpecialtiesKen erdoes404-367-0400www.adsreps.comaDS offers design services, installation and maintenance for playground equipment, site furniture, safety surfacing, shade structures and splash pads. authorized Landscape Structures Representative.

Barker SpecialtyDebbi Oestreich407-566-4000www.barkerorlando.comBarker Specialty Company your Promotional Product Supplier offers logoed products from bags to water bottles along with wearables, trophies and awards for your marketing needs.

Breedlove Land Planning, Inc.Chip Brown770-483-1173www.landplanning.netComplete landscape architecture, site planning, and consulting engineering services for your recreation design needs.

Fitco Fitness Center OutfittersLance Gauntt770-331-1050www.fitcofitness.comFitness equipment, room-design consultation, all related products and services

Gametime/Dominica Recreation ProductsRob Dominica800-432-0162www.drpinc.comCommercial Park & Playground equipment, site amenities, shelters, bleachers, safety surfacing, GTShade, and GTH2o Spray Parks

Georgia Power CompanyDave smolinski770-621-2421www.georgiapower.com/business/outdoor-lighting/Sports Lighting Design, installation and maintenance of outdoor sports lighting systems for venues of any type or size. Cleaning and re-lamping, free lighting analysis, purchase, lease and financing options.

Grasshopper CompanyConnie estep620-345-8621www.grasshoppermower.comGrasshopper true zeroturn radius riding rotary mowers and quik-converter attachment system for year round implements.

Greenville Turf & Tractorsusan Carter864-527-1050www.greenvilleturf.comGreenville Turf and Tractor is a supplier of John Deere golf and sports turf equipment, as well as, provide parts and service support

Hasley Recreation & Design, Inc.norvel Hasley706-453-7908www.hasley-recreation.comPlayground equipment, skate parks, waterslides, aquatic playgrounds, pavilions, bridges

Hat World, Inc/ Anaconda SportsGreg Cherny888-914-6319www.anacondasports.comSporting goods

Hayes James & Associates, Inc.mark Bond770-923-1600www.hayesjames.comPlanning, design and landscape architecture services for park and recreation projects.

Hunter Knepshield Co.tom Knepshield, sr.800-626-6530www.hunterknepshield.comCommercial playground equipment, sports lighting and modular restrooms/shower/concession buildings and park supplies

Innova Disc GolfRussell schwarz800-476-3968www.innovadiscgolf.comThe most complete line of discs & disc golf equipment and course design services

Innovative FitnessChris Conti770-218-9390www.innovativefit.comNew and Used Fitness equipment Rubber and Wood athletic Flooring Fitness Facility Design Fitness equipment Repairs

jb+a park design studiosteve Provost678-247-0730www.jbplusa.comPark planning, design and landscape architecture

Kidz Zone Play SystemsKathi Hamby615-217-3334www.kzplay.comCommercial playground equipment includes: Playcraft Systems, earthscapes Structures Recycled Plastic, Berliner Net Climbing & Urban Play, Climbing Walls & Rocks; Skate parks; Waterslides & Spray Pads; Safety Surfacing; Site amenities; Shade Structures; and Shelters. We are also Licensed General Contractors installing everything we sell.

KORKATKimberly Rickard770-214-9322www.korkat.comWe provide Playgrounds, Metal Shelters, Safety Surfacing, Shades, PVC Umbrellas, Skate parks, Water Parks, Water Slides, indoor Playgrounds, Pic Nic Tables, Benches, Trashcans, outdoor exercise equipment, Dog Parks and Sports equipment. We are a company of individuals who still value relationships with customers regardless of project size.

Leisure Lines Inc.Claudia mertl770-968-4000http://www.leisurelines.comLeisure Lines, inc. Playground & Recreation equipment Company is a Georgia corporation, founded in 1982. Since then we’ve maintained the same ownership and management. our staff combines decades of recreation experience and we offer our expertise, exceptional products and services throughout Georgia.

Lose & Associates, Inc.Whit Alexander770-338-0017www.loseassoc.comPark and recreation design, planning, landscape architecture, engineering and architecture

Macon, Georgia Convention & Visitors BureauPauline Le478-743-1074www.visitmacon.orgMacon is the best hidden and affordable tourist location. Stop by Downtown Macon Visitors Center for information on attractions, entertainment, hotels, and restaurants, and bring home locally made souvenirs. Contact us to plan your group’s visit to Macon.


Musco Sports Lighting, LLCRob staples800-756-1205www.musco.comMusco Lighting specializes in design and manufacture of sports-lighting systems —offering major enhancements in energy efficiency, environmental light control and cost effectiveness. Musco offers solutions for indoor or outdoor, permanent or temporary lighting, with unique technology to address the needs of players, spectators, neighbors, and television broadcast.

National Alliance for Youth SportsJohn engh561-684-1141www.nays.orgadding value to existing youth programs (call us to offer NYSCa, PaYS or to earn CYSa credential)

National Center for Sports SafetyJenna Beach205-329-7528www.sportssafety.orgThe National Center for Sports Safety promotes the importance of injury prevention and safety on all levels of youth sports through educational programs, research and analytics.

Play StructionGreg taylor704-487-7774www.playstruction.comWoman-owned Business Serving the Southeast Commercial Turnkey Playground Services Single-Source accountability Certified and Fully insured Playground equipment, installations, Surfacing, audits, inspections and Repairs

Pond & Companymatt Wilder404-221-1900www.pondco.comFull Service park and recreation design firm providing architecture, Landscape architecture, engineering and Planning Services.

Quillian Powell Construction Co.Greg Powell229-245-0838www.quillianpowell.comQuillian Powell Construction is a licensed general contractor with 25 years of experience in all types of construction, including gymnasiums and other recreation facilities.

Raindance Media Solutions LLCsusan Riley770-337-9634We understand the special challenges and needs of Park and Recreation Departments and as your GRPa Media Specialist, we are here to help. You can count on us for all of your print, graphic design, online interactive publications, marketing and promotional products and advertising requirements. Meeting your unique and individual needs is our #1 priority. Simply put, we care.

Richard Wittschiebe Handtanya Richard404-688-2200www.rwhdesign.com/Recreational and Community Facility Master Planning and Programming, architectural and interior Design

SealMaster Atlantamichael Wiemann404-505-8888www.sealmaster.netTennis court coatings and asphalt pavement sealers

Smith Garden ProductsJenny Wu800-242-7425www.garick.com

Southern Playgrounds, Inc.Warren schlender770-218-1912www.southernplaygrounds.comPlayground equipment

Sports Turf Company, Inc.Dan Wright770-832-8691www.sportsturf.netSports field construction

SportSentry Systemsmike Rochester205-304-6000www.sportsentrysystems.comif tackling a new park, sports complex, skate park or refurbishing existing sports facilities or parks, SportSentry Systems can help!

Trimax Mowing Systems Inc.Karl stevenson800-523-1167www.trimaxmowers.comTrimax designs and manufactures a wide range of robust, easily maintained, tractor mounted mowers to suit a variety of applications. Trimax mowers deliver a clean cut and professional finish every time.

Turfplaner of GeorgiaClarence mayes404-374-3012www.turfplaningservices.comour patent pending Turfplaner is used for the precision removal of surface irregularities in all types of athletic surfaces/field renovation at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

Wild Adventures Theme Parksarah Pitts229-219-7080www.wildadventures.comWild adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia, features one of the largest ride collections in the South, hundreds of exotic animals, Splash island Water Park, and numerous all-star concerts.

Wood + Partners Inc.mark Baker843-681-6618www.woodandpartners.comPark, recreation and open space master planning, recreation needs assessments, preliminary site planning and analysis, public workshops.

Water Technology, Inc.Brad mallon920-887-7375www.watertechnologyinc.comWater Technology is a premier aquatic planning, design and engineering firm. our portfolio includes waterparks, resort/hotel pools, family aquatic centers, leisure and competitive venues, YMCa/YWCa pools, clubs and community developments, and therapy/wellness pools.

GRPA Corporate members


What I Have Learnedby Barbara Savage, Chair, Cobb County Recreation Board

I have lived in Cobb County for more than 40 years. Both of my girls played traveling softball in our parks for years. For five of those years, I was on the board of our softball association, so I thought I knew a good bit about our parks and how they were run. six years ago, I was appointed to the Cobb County Recreation Board. At my orientation meeting, I was told how Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) operated and was organized. then I asked what I should do. “Just show up” was the answer, and that began a long journey of learning just how little I did know.

my first year was spent attending ribbon-cuttings, dinners, performances, exhibits, tournaments, you name it. I began to know the staff members — their names and the jobs they performed. that continues today, and, the more I learn, the more amazed I am at the positive impact PRCA has on our citizens’ lives.

In my time on the Board, I have come to believe that PRCA is a huge part of the excellent quality of life we enjoy here in Cobb. there is something for everyone. As I attend a ball game, a children’s performance at the Amphitheatre, a Bmx national qualifier or the easter egg Hunt, or I visit a community gar-den or any number of other facilities or functions, I know these are where memories are made. they are where families play, stress is relieved and laughter is heard. I know that Cobb County would not be the great place it is to live and work were it not for the programs offered by PRCA.

that being said, I have learned something even more impor-tant in my time on the Board. shortly after my appointment, the economy “tanked.” many of those great functions I attended in my first year were gone. Budget cuts were deep,

the staff was reduced, and programs were eliminated. It was a scary time.

that’s when I really learned about the character of our PRCA folks. I watched the staff members come together, figure out how they were going to manage through this and make it happen. Providing anything less than the best-quality service and programs they had always offered was not an option. they remained professional, positive and dedicated. At every level, from top management to the guy who runs the mowers, they knew the people in their community, many by name, and they cared.

As a result, our citizens still enjoy a wonderful park system today. In many ways, I think it might even be better. Our PRCA staff members do their jobs with integrity. they are out in the community determining what the needs and wants are and matching those to resources. they work with friends groups, partner with local businesses, and “think outside the box.” this is not just their job. this is their passion. they take pride in their work, in achieving success and in providing wonderful programs for our citizens. they bring our communities togeth-er. they give of themselves and make great things happen.

As a citizen out in our parks system, I see clean, well-mani-cured facilities with all kinds of great programs for me and my family to enjoy. As the chair of the Recreation Board, I see the recreation professionals who are behind the scenes giving it their all to ensure we have that. What they do, day in and day out, provides the citizens of Cobb County with a great place to learn, imagine, visit and explore. they are truly examples of the best!


When is the last time you had a nationally known chef attend one of your camps? In 2012, the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department’s Lyndon House Arts Center welcomed a nationally renowned reality-show chef to be part of a new summer camp, Teen Top Chef.

using a popular reality television show as the basis, the camp was created as a way to inspire teens to prepare and eat farm-to-table food and to motivate them to use healthy fruit- and vegeta-ble-based recipes. using a very popular reality tv show as the basis, teen top Chef camp was cooked up as a way to inspire teens with farm-to-table food and to motivate them to use healthy fruit and vegetable based recipes. sev-eral art components featured tabletop décor; food presentation; and art tech-niques, such as contour drawing and watercolor painting, which were the skills used to create their unique recipe books. All of these ingredients were mixed together into a fun and friendly camp that seemed a perfect fit for teens.

In keeping with the spirit of the show, the competition needed a judge. Hugh Acheson is a local chef who was a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Mas-ter, season 3, and a judge on Bravo’s Top Chef. He is also a James Beard Foundation award winner, along with countless other accolades. Hugh owns two local restaurants, Five and ten and the national, as well as empire state south in Atlanta. His credentials and his focus of homemade, from-

In an effort to engage the camp at a family level, a daily letter was sent to parents, and all were invited to the teen top Chef competition with Hugh on the last day of camp.

On the first day, the teams were taught food-preparation tips, kitchen eti-quette and knife-use techniques, as well as three appetizer recipes. the teams worked together to each make a pesto sauce for their bruschetta; they made Hugh’s recipe for water-melon feta salad with serrano chile vinaigrette, and they learned how to make an Asian slaw on endive. the second day, each team made its own homemade cherry tomato sauce and roasted several vegetables, including beets, kale, asparagus, turnips, Brus-sels sprouts and red bell peppers. they also grilled zucchini and squash. After taste-testing all of the vegetables, they used various combinations of the veg-etables to create their pizzas. On the third day, desserts were the focus. they made real whipped cream for a fruit compote, they made lemon curd for a lemon/fruit tart, and they learned how to make a fruit-decorated cupcake brownie. taste-testing was a favorite part of the camp for the teens.

Having been given a recipe reper-toire, each team then decided on their menus, including their unique addi-tions and substitutions. the fourth

scratch food using seasonal, fresh, local ingredients made him a perfect judge, and the teens were excited and inspired to have him taste their food.

Hugh’s award-winning cookbook, a New Turn in the South, incorporates many of his own drawings and was the perfect choice of cookbooks to model the campers’ recipe books. the teams spent half of their camp time cooking and the other half using drawing and watercolor techniques for their recipe books. the cookbook illustrations featured watercolor paintings of herbs, fruits, vegetables and recipe depictions.

Camp started with each teen selected at random for a team. the team mem-bers then collaborated to brainstorm restaurant names, which led to the opening of the following “restaurants”: Flying saucer, the Bread Basket, mix and match, strictly Fresh and Zeion’s. the teams learned that, as the week progressed, they would be respon-sible for deciding which food they would make for the competition. they would select their own menus; make their own food; create their table pre-sentations; and make decisions as to themes, flowers, dishes, etc. the team relationship-building throughout the week was an extra bonus. Although quite diverse and a bit shy at first, each team came together beautifully to develop their strategies using each team member’s strengths.

Cooking up a Great teen Campby Caroline Self, art education Specialist, athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department


day was prep day for their intended dishes and finalizing their table top looks, along with working on their cookbooks. Competition day was a whirlwind of food-preparation fren-zy, of perfecting their table décors and of putting the finishing touches on their recipe books before the big guest arrived for the teen top Chef competition. the final competition showcased table staging with place settings, f lowers and menus of each team’s appetizer, pizza/pasta and des-sert. It also featured their recipe books and their delicious food presentation.

the students learned that food prepara-tion is a process that combines all of the senses, allowing them to engage with their food and embrace food prepara-tion as an art. the teens thrived in the creative environment. they learned the importance of using healthy ingredients in a fun and delicious way. they devel-oped their art techniques, specifically drawing and watercolor, for their amaz-ingly rendered cookbook paintings, and they explored the art of food and table presentation. they also enhanced their confidence, not only in the kitchen but also by enhancing their social skills as they worked in teams.

Local artist Par Ramey, along with the visual Arts Guild of Athens, donated cookbooks, which were gift-wrapped and presented to each par-ticipant. Hugh donated his time to serve as judge for the teen top Chef competition and signed certificates for all of the teens. several local farm-ers and individuals donated various homegrown fruits and vegetables, and local artists donated art supplies.

As partners in our community, we are always looking for different ways to engage the teens in the area by pro-viding a one-of-a-kind experience that will allow them to explore their artis-tic and creative skills. We also wanted to motivate them to make better food choices by using farm-to-table fruits and vegetables and to learn the fun “art” of healthy, from-scratch cooking. Our hope is to inspire the teens who come to our summer program and for them to inspire their friends and families. We are also hoping to inspire the Athens-

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area teens and children who were not part of the camp but who were able to read about the camp in the paper to nurture and experiment with healthier ways of eating. We had wonderful cov-erage in the athens Banner-Herald on two occasions: “teens train to Become top Chefs at Lyndon House Food Arts Camp” and “Young Chefs Cook to Impress.” We were also fortunate to have the support of local celebrity chef Hugh Acheson.

The students learned that food preparation is a

process that com-bines all of the senses,

allowing them to engage with their food and embrace

food preparation as an art.

Both verbally and in our formal evalu-ations, we had a lot of positive feed-back from the parents and the teens. many parents commented on what a wonderful experience the camp was for their teens. One parent recounted how her son spent a whole evening active in his kitchen at home, prepar-ing the homemade tomato sauce, pizza and roasted vegetables to serve dinner to 11 family members. the parent of a teen with Asperger’s syndrome was thrilled with her daughter’s accom-plishments and social interaction. Yet another parent said that her daughter developed a new confidence in the kitchen and was experimenting with a variety of foods not usually “on their menu.” evaluations all ranked Lyndon House Arts Center and this summer camp as “excellent.”

We hope that this camp has a lasting impact on healthy food choices, fun and creativity in the kitchen and that it inspires the teens to incorporate art into every aspect of their lives. Bon appétit!


One of the most fun, creative and gratifying projects accomplished last summer at the Albany Recreation and Parks Department was the development of a vegetable garden behind Carver Com-munity Center. several factors led us to create the Carver sunshine Community Garden project. several of the youth spoke with Linda Harris, recreation supervi-sor at Carver Community Center, about the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables at home. the youth understood through their parents/guardians that it was too costly to purchase fresh fruits and veg-etables from the grocery store. Linda also began to learn and understand that many of the children in the after-school pro-gram had little or no knowledge of how to prepare healthy snacks for themselves. Consequently, in 2011, Linda started a program called “meals Without a stove” to teach the children how to prepare sal-ads, sandwiches and healthy snack food from fresh fruits and vegetables, with the emphasis that the food did not need to be cooked. In early 2012, Linda started the university of Georgia master Gardener Program offered through the Dougherty County extension service with the goal of helping teach the Carver Community Center’s children how to grow their own healthy food.

In the spring of 2012, Linda, along with co-workers Kristin Caso, recreation supervisor, and Ili si malone, city of Alba-ny arborist, worked on the design and installation of the garden. One of the first challenges was fencing in the proposed garden area, which was eventually done with recycled fencing from the athletics division. With just a few hundred dol-lars to spend on the project, raised beds, garden soil, seedlings and seeds were purchased from sam’s Club and Lowe’s. Bob takash, park planner, provided half a dozen 20-gallon containers saved from planting trees. Items planted in contain-ers included okra and tomatoes, while lettuce, squash and other vegetables were planted in the raised beds. the children who helped throughout the growing sea-son wrote down what season it was best

by Linda Harris, Kristin Caso and Fran Stalter, albany Recreation and Parks Department

Carver Sunshine Community Garden

to plant their favorite vegetable. they also learned how to sow seeds in bio-degradable containers. the garden was a success; the harvest was plentiful for months. Due to the very mild winter in south Georgia, we picked okra and toma-toes until Christmas!

Last year was the first year for the Carv-er sunshine Community Garden project, and the children could not have been happier to get their hands dirty while learning all summer long. the time it took the vegetables to grow was defi-nitely worth the wait; the children were particularly gratified in eating a meal with vegetables they helped plant and grow with their own hands. Positive outcomes that occurred during the inau-gural first crop were diverse. the squash grew very well but picked up blight, which provided the opportunity to teach about various plant diseases. the youth were able to take home tomatoes, okra, squash and peppers to their parents/guardians to share at the dinner table and discuss how they helped grow them. Youth and staff enjoyed several “souper tuesdays,” where they made soup from available vegetables. Learning from last year’s successes, this year, we are going to expand with a few more 20-gallon pots and one more raised bed.

Our tips to others starting a garden are short:

• You don’t have to spend a lot of money! Look for recycled products everywhere. We used fencing and pots that had a previous life. We recently received seedlings left over from the planting of a garden at a local elementary school.

• Partner with a master gardener pro-gram or a horticulture program at a local college. they can offer a wealth of experience and ideas.

• Don’t be afraid to fail. We planted some crops too late in the season and had some disappointment. If it doesn’t work, then plant something else.

• Have fun getting your hands dirty with the children and learning right along with them.

Georgia Recreation and Park Association1285 Parker RoadConyers, GA 30094

the day started off normally with morning assembly, and then the age groups split up for the day to go about their scheduled activities. there were groups on the playground outside, as well as a couple of groups playing on the soccer field beside the pond behind the rec center. everyone was playing games and enjoying the summer sun until the cows appeared. these cows were not your common, everyday milk cows. these cows were huge, had large horns and were coming fast. the herd came onto the property by crossing a large pasture and traveling between the gym and the pond onto the soccer field. the coun-selors had to think quickly. One counselor quickly sent the kids into the woods, hoping that the herd would most likely stay in the open instead of separating among the trees. the other counselor with the group decided to do his best impression of a rodeo clown. With no regard for his own safety, he jumped in front of the oncoming herd and tried to draw attention to himself. He started jumping and shouting and running in an attempt to divert the herd away from the children. His per-formance worked, causing the herd to chase him far enough away so that the children could return to the building. the counselors radioed for the supervisors, who rushed outside to help corral the herd before they reached the playground and the other children.

the scene became rather comical once the police arrived. the counselors weren’t the only ones forced to adapt and play cat-

tle wrangler that day. the police officers and summer-camp staff members worked until they were finally able to corral the herd inside one of the baseball fields, to the dismay of the fields and grounds crew members, who had already prepped it for games later that day.

the situation was definitely stressful at the time, due to the thoughts of what could have happened and the unusual nature of the incident. thanks to the quick thinking and adaptability of the summer camp staff, this potentially dangerous situa-tion turned out to be one of the funniest and most memorable camp experiences so far in the camp’s history.

by Chad Cole

Cow Invasion at Summer Camp

When you work at a summer camp for any number of years, you learn early on that the job requires you to wear many hats. You have to be upbeat, motivated and fun. You need to know lots of games to play and activities to lead and have the ability to adapt to change. Sometimes you are a mentor, a teacher or a coach. As a counselor, you have to be a leader, a shoulder to cry on, a nurse, a janitor and a friend. It is this ability to adapt that can really mean the difference in a child’s experience at camp. The importance of this characteristic was no more evident than on the day of the cow invasion.

2 official publication of the georgia recreation and … 2013 magazine.pdfofficial publication of...

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