Western region - Regional Reports - Editorial

Parks & Recreation, August, 2003

The Middle School Sports Program, in Lakewood, Colo., is an after-school recreational sports programs operated at local middle schools. This strictly recreational program does not include team tryouts and maintains an equal play policy. The girls' program operates on Mondays and Wednesdays while the boys' come on Tuesdays and Thursdays; both programs run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This program is an example of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project For more information: contact Tracy Gallo at tragal@lakewood.org or 303-987-480404.

The parks and recreation field lost a strong ally when Yvonne Washington has passed away in April. Washington has supported the field and her communities in numerous ways. She was a leader, mentor, support and consummate professional in parks and recretion for more than 86 years. While her first job was as a recreation summer leader in Denton, Texas, and her last as assistant executive general manger of Fiar Park City in Dallas, Washington left her mark across the U.S. She was a program manager for NRPA as well as a staunch advocate. Her leadership within the Ethnic Minority Society helped to encourage people of color to enter into the parks and recreation field, as well as support the hundreds who work in it.

The next time you see a wildlife, photographer in Yellowstone National Park or a fisherman navigating the rivers of Wyoming's Wind River Range. there's a good chance it will be Gene Schmidt, former Metropolitan Regional Park Manager for Colorado State Parks. Schmidt, who retied from Colorado State Parks after 33 years with the agency is planning on spending a lot of his free time in Wyoming, having recently relocated from Castle Rock Colo. to the Cowboy State with his wife Lynn. Raised in Holyoke, Colo. Schmidt began his career with Colorado State Parks while still a student at Colorado State University. After graduating in 1971 with a degree in parks administration he continued working as a seasonal ranger at Cherry Creek State Park. From there he became park manager at Tarryall State Recreation Area then moved to Eleven Mile/Antero State Recreation Areas. In 1979, he became park manager at Chatfield State Park before being named Metropolitan Regional Manager in March of 1981. When asked his favorite part of the job over 33 years, Schmidt replied. "The opportunity to work closely with such a dedicated and committed staff in serving our park visitors."

The Phoenix Hearts N' Parks Magnet Center held "Sunset at Papago ParkHealthy Trails, Heealthy People" on June 6. The event featured non-competetive physical activities, CATCH games, hikes, bike rides, nutrition displays, heart-healthy food. and information about summer and fall Hearts N' Parks programs. The event was held in cooperation with the Maricopa County Deparment of Health Services. Arizona Deprtment of Health Services and sponsored by Subways Sweet Tomatoes and Bike Barn.

Plano (Texas) Parks and Recreation improved its Web site (www.planoparks. org) and added an athletics schedule, standibgs and message board module. This addition to the site increased traffic By 40 percent, and has been invaluable in converting a large number of phone calls to online access Colorado State Parks bids a fond farewell to Deputy Director Tom Kenyon. After more than 30 years of state government service, Kenyon has decided to pursue new challenges.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working for Colorado State Parks and the people of Colorado. This has been my privilege for over 30 years. said Kenyon, the added, "but I'm also looking forward to what lies ahead for me." Kenyon began his career with Colorado State Parks in 1971 as a seasonal park ranger at Miramonte State Recreation Area. He becamee a park ranger in 1977 and served at both Flagler and Ramah State Recreational Areas. He then became a senior ranger at Boyd Lake State Park in Lovelaland and park manager at State Forest State Park near Walden, Colo. In 1986, Tom became a regional manager for the western region of Colorado State Parks and served four years in Grand Junctio. In 1990, he was appointed Deputy Director of Colorado State Parks. His extensive experience working with the General Assembly excellent customer service and responsive management philosophies not only benefited the agency but earned Kenyon the well deserved respect of his coworkers mid peers. According to Lyle Laverty, director of Colorado State Parks, "Tom deep Concern for State Park employees and his passionate commitment to quality service has been the hallmark of his career as a public servant. Colorado's state park system is a reflection of Tom's incredible influence in shaping this important part of Colorado's legacy." Kenyon's future includes establishing a real estate investment company in Grand Junction,Colo. He plans to be involved in all areas of real estate with an emphasis on quality recreation property and plenty of hunting and fishing.

The United States Tennis Association is offering a Development Coach Workshop on Sept. 6 in Phoenix for recreation tennis instructors and coaches working with players who are new to the game or at the earlier levels of skill development. A national trainer who is an expert in handling large groups and getting kids and adults in play tennis quickly in a fun and social atmosphere conducts each workshop. With over 75 percent of all play on public courts, the USTA is dedicated to providing fun And informative workshops for instructors and coaches teaching on these courts. For information, contact Carol Tolson 600-843-0530