The document provides information about the 30th annual conference for the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) being held from March 10-12, 2015 at UMass Amherst. The conference will feature keynote speaker Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association, who will discuss the importance of conservation, health and wellness, and social equity. The schedule includes sessions on topics such as turf management, customer service, adaptive recreation, and national park trends. The conference guide provides details on registration, events, speakers, and thanks sponsors.

1. PROGRAM GUIDE
30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 10th - 12th, 2015
UMass Conference Center
Amherst, MA

2. A GREETING FROM THE CONFERENCE CHAIR
Welcome to UMASS Amherst! This year’s conference has been designed to provide the best of the
best for you. Our theme this year is “Back to School” and marks the 30th annual conference and
trade show for MRPA. Each year the conference committee creates and implements a professional
development opportunity to learn, engage and network to build upon your personal and professional
toolboxes. This year has a great variety of fantastic sessions, commercial partners and networking
opportunities guaranteed to provide you with the latest in industry trends that can be brought back to
your communities.
We welcome NRPA President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE, to New England and to the 30th
Annual Conference to lead our Keynote address. The National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) identified Three Pillars that strengthen local parks and recreation – conservation, health and
wellness and social equity. The pillars are guiding principles and it is under these three areas that
parks and recreation demonstrate their leadership, value and benefits to the community and the
country. Barbara will talk about the strategy and importance of the pillars and how, by championing
and adopting the pillars, Parks and Recreation can achieve greater impact and earn added support.
The sessions are jam packed with learning outcomes for the front line staff up to the Executive
Administration; from programs and direct services to Park design up to Cost Recovery. Our speakers
are from across the country, representing the broad spectrum of what we do to the specialized
disciplines within our agencies.
Embrace all that has been created for you and get involved. Introduce yourself to someone new, share
your experiences, and ask questions! Take advantage of the countless opportunities that await you at
this year’s conference. The possibilities to grow, develop and maximize your potential are here waiting
for you. Get ready to further your career and make a greater impact in your community.
Thank you to the Conference committee and to the membership for giving me the opportunity to work
with you and assist in the creation of the 2015 Conference and Trade Show.
Have fun,
Melissa Battite, CPRP
2015 Conference Chair - President Elect
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
MARCH 10TH Registration - will be open from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Meet & Greet & Round Table Discussion on Today’s Topics - 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Dinner with Friends!
MARCH 11TH Registration - all day beginning at 7:30 AM
General Sessions - both morning and afternoon
Lunch (this event is included for all delegates and exhibitors)
Exhibit Hall (Dedicated time for attendees to visit Exhibit Hall)
Dinner (this event requires preregistration)
Evening Social (Exhibitors Welcome)
MARCH 12TH Registration - all day beginning at 7:30 AM
General Sessions - both morning and afternoon
Awards Breakfast (this event requires preregistration)
NOTE:
All Program Sessions and
events may be subject
to change and/or
cancellation due to
unforeseen circumstances.
We apologize in advance
for any inconvenience
this may cause.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

3. KEYNOTE SPEAKER
BARBARA TULIPANE
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NRPA
As President and CEO, Barbara Tulipane is responsible for developing
strategic partnerships, building organizational capacity, and overseeing
national policy and advocacy efforts related to parks, recreation and
conservation. She devotes her time to understanding the many needs
and challenges within the field, and getting to know NRPA’s diverse
constituencies.
Before joining NRPA in 2008, Tulipane served as president and CEO of the
Electronic Retailing Association (ERA). She also served as vice president
of operations for NATSO, Inc., a national trade association representing
travel center owners and operators. Tulipane received her Bachelor’s
degree in sociology and marketing from the University of Arizona, and her
Master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University.
She is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a graduate of the
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Fellows program.
She devotes
her time to
understanding
the many needs
and challenges
within the field.
CHECK IN FOR THE CONFERENCE WHEN
YOU CHECK IN TO THE HOTEL!
REGISTRATION (HOTEL LOBBY) - 4:00 - 7:00 PM
MEET & GREET & ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON
TODAY’S TOPICS (ROOM 163) - 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Back by
Popular
Demand
TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH - EVENING ACTIVITIES!
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

4. CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE
GENERAL
INFORMATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Sessions
12:30 - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 - 4:30 PM - Exhibit Hall
2:30 - 5:00 PM - Sessions
6:00 - 8:00 PM - Dinner
8:00 - 11:00 PM Social
THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH
8:00 - 9:00 AM - Sessions
9:15 - 11:00 AM - Awards Brunch
11:15 AM - 1:45 PM - Sessions
2:00 Executive Board Meeting
EXHIBIT HALL
Will be open Wednesday,
1:30 - 4:30 PM. Please
make every effort to visit
our Commercial Partners.
SILENT AUCTION
Please support the silent
auction which supports the
Kilcoyne Scholarship. This
fund assists members to pursue
professional development
throughout the year. Thank you
to our donors and sponsors
for the fantastic items!
JOIN MRPA!
Not a member yet? Join now
and enjoy a discounted rate for
the conference. Stop by the
registration table during the
conference for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
John M. Whalen, Jr.,
Executive Director
PO Box 783
Westfield, MA 01086-0783
Email: jwhalen@massrpa.org
Web page: www.massrpa.org
Phone: 413-568-8356
Fax: 413-568-4166
CONFERENCE CENTER - FLOOR PLAN
CONFERENCE CHAIR
Melissa Battite
MRPA STAFF
John M. Whalen, Jr.,
Executive Director
MRPA Executive
Board would like to
thank the members
of the committee for
their hard work and
dedication in planning
and hosting the 2015
MRPA State Conference
& Trade Show.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Nicole Banks
Linda Berger
Guy Boucher
Sheila Butts
Damion Clements
Amber Comeau
Bruce Doig
Colin Drury
Brendan Egan
John Feudo
Brandon Fitts
Mark Gallagher
Sharon Locke
Patti Machado
Janet Maguire
Cheryl Marshall
Jon Marshall
Nancy McShea
Ann Proto
Joscelyn Ruelle-
Kersker
Danielle Strauss
Jim Sullivan
Nancy White
2015 STATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

5. CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE
1) Download Eversnap
Download Eversnap App & enter
the event’s Album Code: “z5vemhvf”
2) Take Photos
Guests’ photos taken through
app will be saved online
3) View Live Slideshow
Photos shown live
as they are taken
We would like to invite you to join the Eversnap album - MRPA State Conference 2015.
By downloading the Eversnap app and entering the Album Code - z5vemhvf,
you’ll be able to take pictures at the Conference and have those pictures instantly displayed
on the slideshow located at the registration area. Be a part of the experience and follow this link:
https://eversnapapp.com/i/i1pxrazb
*Please use discretion! All pictures submitted will be public.
Take pictures & join the party!
How Does it Work?

6. CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE
CALL US: 401-225-3188
EMAIL US: info@gametimetraining.net

7. CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

8. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!
GOLD LEVEL
SILVER LEVEL
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

9. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!
BRONZE LEVEL
MRPA FRIEND
American Playground Surfacing
American Ramp Company
Andre’s Sports Awards
Attitash Mountain
Boston Red Sox
BSN
Challenger Sports
Community Pass
Crab Apple Whitewater
Dibble Parks
Explore Disc Golf
Franklin Paint
Fox Tours
Fun America
MA Department of Agriculture
MA Operational Services Division
Mass Wildlife
Mateflex
Musco Lighting
MyRec
Northeast Nursery
Party People, Inc.
Peak Software
Pioneer Athletics
Premier Park & Play
Rescom Exteriors
Scoreboard Enterprises, Inc.
Site Specifics
Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers
Sports Tek
Sunshine Sign Company Inc.
Super Soccer Sports
Vermont Systems
Wicked Cool For Kids
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

10. 8:30 – 9:40 AM
DEVELOPING A TURF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WITH IPM AND STATE
REGULATIONS - RICHARD CALARCO (ROOM 162)
This session will take participants through the process of writing an IPM
plan in accordance with CT State Standards. Participants will learn to
identify the CT state turf laws, how to outline a DEP-approved IPM plan,
and how to explain their turf plan to others.
DETERMINING WORKER STATUS - MARY ROGERS (ROOM 174)
This session will cover the process to make a determination of a worker’s
status as either Employee or Contractor under Federal Payroll Tax Law.
We’ll discuss questions you should ask about your relationship with the
worker, facts to consider, and specific decisions. We’ll review the Federal
implications of misclassifying a worker as well as how to get and IRS
determination. Specific examples of Park and Recreation workers will be
used.
FITNESS FOCUSED PLAY - MICHAEL FINGEROTH (ROOM 165)
This session will enable participants to design playgrounds to get and
keep kids active and help participants make a positive, healthy impact on
their communities. Attendees will learn about the physical fitness benefits
gained by kids using a playground. In addition, they will learn why these
fitness benefits are important in child development and building a healthy
future. They’ll also learn and how to design playgrounds with these fitness
benefits in mind for kids to achieve maximum physical fitness.
KEY CUSTOMER SERVICE INDICATORS - CAROLYN MCKNIGHT (ROOM 163)
Session will allow participants an opportunity to review and discuss critical
customer service impact issues. Participants will review highly effective
strategies to get to the bottom of customer service concerns. Participants
will explore how to ask the right questions to conduct the correct analysis
that will improve service levels. The session will also allow program and
service providers to receive meaningful feedback that can be acted upon,
hence happier guests, elevated brands and safer facilities. All techniques
are designed to be highly practical and implemented immediately.
9:55 – 11:05 AM
BARBARA TULIPANE - KEYNOTE SPEAKER (STUDENT UNION BALLROOM)
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) identified Three
Pillars that strengthen local parks and recreation – conservation, health
and wellness and social equity. The pillars are guiding principles and it is
under these three areas that parks and recreation demonstrate their
leadership, value and benefits to the community and the country. NRPA
President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE, will talk about the strategy
and importance of the pillars and how, by championing and adopting the
pillars, parks and recreation can achieve greater impact and earn added
support.
11:20 – 12:30 PM
“INCLUSION” IN SPORT & RECREATION PROGRAMS - HOW DO WE PREPARE? -
DEB DOWNEY, KATHLEEN COMFORT SALAS, ALI STOOL AND ZOE NORCROSS
(ROOM 165)
Over the past 14 years, the Spaulding Rehab Network has enabled
individuals of all abilities to lead an active, healthy lifestyles, through
participation in sports & recreation. Along with Spaulding therapists &
adaptive sports professionals you will learn the history of adaptive
recreation & physical education. You will understand the benefits of
adaptive recreation for overall well being & participation in social activities.
You will become familiar with current trends in adaptive sports/recreation.
Not only will you gain an understanding of basic adaptations for popular
sports and activities, but you will participate in hands-on learning for
various client needs.
ROUND TABLE ON AQUATICS - CHERY FINLEY AND KEVIN BAILEY (ROOM 174)
As Recreation/Aquatic Professionals sometimes it is nice to know you are
not the only one. We are focusing on Documentation: What to and What
not to document. Rules Do we cover enough or not. Policies with Family
Changing rooms, equipment and Manuals do we cover everything or is it
too much? Come to the table with your questions, comments, concerns,
or examples of your policies and procedures or advice. Anything you may
have questioned last summer lets try to figure out before next season.
WINNING COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLNESS
- CAROLYN MCKNIGHT (ROOM 163)
Session is designed to help park and recreation professionals recognize
their role in improving the health of their community by supplying
information and strategies to engage community members. Partnerships
with the medical community, success stories, and additional facts will be
discussed and prepare attendees to develop play prescriptions and
measure the outcomes in their community. Play possesses an untapped
potential for improving the physical, social and emotional health problems
including obesity, diabetes, ADD/ADHD, toxic stress, and depression.
Science proves play can improve health factors from cardiovascular
fitness to cognitive function. Play is a low-cost, high impact solution to
health problems and working together we can improve the health of our
communities.
HOW PARKS AND RECREATION BUILDS COMMUNITY THROUGH LEADERSHIP -
FRAN MAINELLA (ROOM 162)
This session will focus on leadership and its importance for
building or impacting a community. The 3C’s of leadership will be
shared from the perspective of the first woman to head the
national park system in the USA and its importance for community
development or change.
12:30 - 1:30 PM
LUNCH (STUDENT UNION BALLROOM)
1:30 - 4:30 PM
EXHIBIT HALL (CAMPUS CENTER AUDITORIUM)
2:30 - 3:40 PM
NATIONAL TRENDS IN PARKS AND RECREATION - FRAN MAINELLA
(ROOM 162)
This session will focus on the current trends in society, parks and
recreation and the implications for all professionals and interested
citizens. Partnerships, accountability, health and the seamless
systems of parks will be highlighted as well as other trends.
IMPROVING TURF GRASS WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND STRESS TOLERANCE -
MICHELLE DACOSTA, PH.D (ROOM 174)
Water availability for irrigation of turfgrasses is a major concern for the
turfgrass industry. Drought conditions and overall summer stress can
result in significant weakening of turf, which enhance turfgrass
susceptibility to insect, disease, and weed infestation. Utilizing appropriate
management practices as integral part of an IPM program can promote the
health and persistence of turfgrass and thus reduce reliance on pesticides.
This seminar will focus on water use characteristic s of turfgrass as well as
the strategies for maintaining optimum turf function under reduced imputs.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

11. PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM A PLAYGROUND LIABILITY - JEFF REED
(ROOM 165)
Playground safety standards have been evolving in the United States
since the 1970's. Many playground accidents result in insurance claims
and litigation. This session will discuss the types of serious accidents that
frequently occur, how insurance companies react, what actions lead to a
trial and how loss can be minimized.
DISC GOLF & THE BENEFITS OF INSTALLATION - BRIAN GIGGEY (ROOM 163)
Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and can be
enjoyed immediately by all ages and skill levels. This seminar will bring to
light the benefits of a dis golf installation and how it can be implemented at
your location. Disc golf can maximize underutilized space, displace
undesirable activity and appeal to seniors, families and youth.
3:50 - 5:00 PM
TURF: GREEN SIDE UP AND DOWN- MARY OWEN (ROOM 163)
Turf: Green Side Up AND Down! Communities are challenged to manage
their properties in ways that lead to sustainable systems. This session will
look at practices that lead to sustainability for lawn, park and athletic field
turf and the facilities in which they occur. Emphasis will be on
environmentally responsible management plans that focus on selection of
turfgrass species appropriate for the site and use and that minimize
requirements for irrigation, fertility, pesticides, and other inputs while
achieving functional quality required.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PARK CHAMPION? - DAVE TYAHLA
(ROOM 162)
With dysfunction in Washington at an all-time high, now is the time to
focus on park and recreation best advocacy assets: the dedicated staff
and the critical close to home park infrastructure critical to the economic,
environmental, and human health of a community. By becoming a park
champion you’ll help educate elected officials at the federal, state, and
local level on the real value that parks provide in their communities, and
why your agency needs partners at all levels of government to help
maximize that value.
MISFIT STRONG: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT/ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAMMING -
KAREN KIEFER (ROOM 174)
In a world where everyone is trying to just fit in, the Misfit Strong Youth
Empowerment/Anti-Bullying Program encourages individuals to stand out,
be MISFIT STRONG, and celebrate what makes them different and take a
stand against bullying by wearing misfit (mismatched) socks. The "misfit
sock" represents the differences that live within each of us and symbolizes
those who have been labeled or marginalized for whatever reason. Learn
creative approaches to using misfit socks to deliver unmatched results in
the practice of team-building, positive self-esteem, creativity, gratitude and
respect, while serving as a catalyst for conversation and action on the
importance of being different and respecting others.
GIRL POWER INTERGENERATIONAL - BARBARA-ANNE FOLEY (ROOM 165)
This is an easy replicated program designed by Harwich Council on Aging
Director, Barbara-Anne Foley, for Middle School Girls in grades 5-8 and
Adult Women Ages 60-80 for empowerment and mentoring. There are 4
Precepts to the program: Journal Writing & Discussion, Healthy Snack
Making with Recipes to go home, A Speaker/Program from the community
i.e. a Sgt. from our Police Dept. on Cyber Bullying/Internet Safety, or a
mini Self Defense Course. And lastly FUN Exercises such as Badminton,
Pickleball, Kite Flying, etc. The program ends with a Pasta Supper for all
of the participants and their families (the night before the road race) with
a Power Point of the Program and the participants receiving a gift bag
with a photo book of their program and some free give-aways from local
merchants or the dollar store like a pedometer so they can track their
steps at school. The end of the school year in June, ALL of the
participants enter the Harwich 5K road Race walking in it or running in it
together with our own shirts. A HUGELY EMPOWERING PROGRAM
FOR ALL INVOLVED.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH (CONTINUED)
For the Design of this Year’s
Conference Logo
Speaker Scholarship
THANK YOU!
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

12. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH - EVENING SOCIAL
YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!!
BUFFET DINNER (STUDENT UNION BALLROOM): 6:00 - 8:00 PM
FOLLOWED BY (AMHERST ROOM - 10TH FLOOR CAMPUS HOTEL):
Are You Smmahhhhtahh Than a 5th
Grader?
The Social team is back in full force to bring you another edition of Rec. Game Night. This year’s interactive
program, “Smarter than a 5th
Grader”, will encourage participants to come dressed in attire form their High School
Days. So get out those short shorts, dungarees and Z Cavaricci’s. Grab your Aqua net, mousse and oversized
Champion Sweatshirt and don’t forget your striped tube socks.
Teams of contestants will navigate their way through not so simple elementary school questions and no longer
easy challenges from elementary school. Let’s see how much you know, remember and forgot! You never know
what to expect and what might happen, so you have to show up to find out! Special prize to the best costume.
SPONSORED BY:
GOLD SPONSORS
GameTime / MCR Recreation
Viking Sports Camps
SILVER SPONSORS
Beals and Thomas
New England Recreation Group
O’Brien & Sons
Pilot Rock
Springfield College
BRONZE SPONSORS
Childscapes
Gale Associates
Launch Trampoline
Playground Inspections of New England
Play-Well TEKnologies
Park Street Playgrounds
RecDesk
SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park
STEM Beginnings
US Sports Institute
USTA
Ultiplay
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

13. THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH
8:00 – 9:10 AM
PROGRAMMING AND MAINTENANCE WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER
SERVICES AND SAFE FIELDS - PETE COLEMAN AND CHRIS FILADORE
(ROOM 174)
This session will identify the importance of both programs and
maintenance. The need to communicate and have a coordinated
approach especially when programming and maintenance are different
departments in order to provide fulfilling and safe experience for users.
CROSSING THE SILOS – ACTIVE LIVING FOR SENIORS AT SENIOR CENTERS &
PARKS AND RECREATION - KATHI BAILEY AND PAT ARMSTRONG (ROOM 163)
How communities will take on the challenges of the boomers shift to
outdoor activities and the roles of Senior Centers and Parks &
Recreation. Complement vs. Compete.
MANAGING YOUR RECREATION BUSINESS THROUGH COST RECOVERY -
LISA PARADIS AND JESSE MYOTT (ROOM 162)
Knowing the cost of doing business in your community is a powerful tool
that can be used as a foundation for a non-profit business model for your
agency. Learn how the use of a financial strategy that includes cost
recovery and fee analysis can bring your agency to the next level and
allow it to thrive in any economic climate
INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND DESIGN - MISSY BENSON AND IAN PROUD
(ROOM 165)
This is a hands-on design workshop that will teach the basics of inclusion
on playgrounds. Participants will be led through a redesign of a local
Massachusetts park. All materials will be supplied. Including photos of the
site, trace paper, markers and site plans.
9:15 - 11:00 AM
AWARDS BRUNCH/ ANNUAL MEETING
(CAMPUS CENTER AUDITORIUM)
11:15 - 12:25 PM
WHO - WHAT IS THE AGE FRIENDLY CITY/COMMUNITY WORK? -
KATHI BAILEY (ROOM 163)
Population aging and urbanization are two global trends that together
comprise major forces shaping the 21st century. At the same time as
cities are growing, their share of residents aged 60 years and more is
increasing. Older people are a resource for their families, communities
and economies in supportive and enabling living environments. WHO
regards active aging as a lifelong process shaped by several factors that,
alone and acting together, favor health, participation and security in older
adult life. Informed by WHO’s approach to active aging, the purpose is to
engage cities to become more age-friendly so as to tap the potential that
older people represent for humanity.
MEASURING PROGRAM PERFORMANCE: FROM OUTPUTS TO OUTCOMES -
PETER FINN (ROOM 162)
Performance management, metrics, scorecards, report cards are all
around us – and as funds get tighter and public expectations grow, the
demand for more of these will increase, as well. We all know that “what
you count, counts” but the real measures that matter are the outcomes
of what we do, not just the outputs. But the outputs are so much easier
to measure. Being able to get from the output measures we have and the
outcome measures we need is essential. Hear real examples of metrics
in use by park and recreation agencies (both good and the not so good),
and discover the different types of measures and ways to derive them.
LOW COST DIAMOND RENOVATIONS - COLIN DRURY (ROOM 174)
This session will reveal the process in renovating a baseball/softball
diamond with a low budget. We will go over the correct products,
how to install, and what they will accomplish for your program.
FUSION OF SOCIAL MEDIA INTO PARKS AND RECREATION - JOSHUA
MEDEIROS AND BRYAN DUMELIN (ROOM 168)
The profession of Parks and Recreation has started to evolve into a
business model in many ways. Marketing and connecting to the customer
has taken center stage for many departments. Successfully incorporating
social media into your Parks and Recreation Department will be essential
to engaging your community, generating and retaining customers. This
presentation will be the perfect fusion of marketing/social media
development and successful use and it’s implications on YOUR Parks
and Recreation Department.
12:35 - 1:45 PM
MAKING PARKS RELEVANT - MISSY BENSON AND IAN PROUD (ROOM 165)
Communities change continuously. If their parks and outdoor spaces do
not change in parallel there will be mismatches between societal needs
and what we offer. We will review trends that affect outdoor spaces, Park
& Recreation survey results and examples of innovative outdoor spaces
that respond to those trends.
3 LEVELS OF SENIORS - DO YOU REALLY GET THEM? - KATHI BAILEY AND
PAT ARMSTRONG (ROOM 163)
Advances in and accessibility to health care has resulted in vital longevity
for our aging population. Gone are the days of sedentary activities once
you hit 65. We are now being asked by the “Young Old” to provide quality
of life activities and services outside the traditional Senior Center
model. Are you ready to meet this need? Come explore your perceptions
about aging and prepare to adjust your thinking and enthusiasm for active
senior programming and partnerships. Explore ALPA and see how you
can add the “l” to compete to achieve “complete” and benefit your
department
STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: THE 10 WAYS TO CLOSE A BUDGET
GAP - PETER FINN (ROOM 162)
Park and Recreation budgets are under increasing financial pressure.
In order to “survive and thrive” agencies need new approaches (and
insights) to budgeting and financial management. This session will enable
participants to understand and strategically apply “the ten ways to close
a budget gap” -- in a memorable way.
INCLUSION SERVICES IN A TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP SETTING -
BRANDON FITTS AND TIM DAVIS (ROOM 174)
Summer is often seen as a relief from the business and stress of the
school year. Though for many this may be true, for families who have a
child with a disability, it can be anything but relaxing. The lack of structure,
routine, and support systems can make for a hectic summer season...but
does it have to? This session will explore the ways in which a Summer
Day Camp program can be adapted to include children of all abilities in
everyday camp activities to create a successful summer experience for all.
Please note, the primary focus of this session will be on the inclusion of
children with intellectual and behavioral disabilities rather than physical
disabilities in Summer Day Camp programs.
2:00 - 3:00 PM
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING (ROOM 162)
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

14. EXHIBIT HALL - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH 1:30 - 4:30 PM
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE
Be sure to say hi to
our commercial
partners! We have a
wide variety of partners
represented- be sure
to see the latest and
greatest in the industry!
A Commercial Partner guide is
available in your conference
folders.
Please make sure
you take time to visit
the Exhibit Hall - say
Thank You to all
our Commercial
Partners!
1 Viking Sports Camps
2 M.E. O’Brien & Sons, Inc.
3 Beals and Thomas
4 Musco Lighting
5 MyRec
6 Franklin Paint
7 US Sports Institute
8 Scoreboard Enterprises, Inc.
9 GameTime / MRC
10 Fox Tours
11 American Playground Surfacing
12 Premier Park and Play
13 Mateflex
14 Party People, Inc.
15 Pioneer Athletics
16 Park Street Playgrounds
17 Game Time Training
18 Crab Apple Whitewater
19 MA Dept of Agriculture
20 Dibble Parks
21 Rescom Exteriors
22 Operational Services Division
23 New England Recreation Group
24 Launch Trampoline Park
25 Playground Inspections of New England
26 Sunshine Sign Company, Inc.
27 Boston Red Sox
28 SportTek
29 Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers
30 Wicked Cool for Kids
31 Explore Disc Golf
32 Play-Well TEKnologies
33 Mass Wildlife
34 American Ramp
35 Super Soccer Sports
36 Northeast Nursery
37 UltiPlay Parks and Playgrounds, Inc.
38 UltiPlay Parks and Playgrounds, Inc.
39 UltiPlay Parks and Playgrounds, Inc.
40 Community Pass
41 Vermont Systems
42 RecDesk
43 BSN
44 Attitash Mountain
45 Challenger Sports
46 Peak Software Systems
47 Site Specifics
48 Ocean Edge
49 Registration
50 Registration
51 Registration
52 Gale Associates
53 Childscapes
54 Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
55 USTA of New England
56 Springfield College
57 STEM Beginnings
58 Fun America
59 Andre’s Sports and Awards
60 New England Park Association
CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE
BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS

16. MRPA CONFERENCE 2016
OCEAN’S EDGE RESORT, BREWSTER, MA
SAVE THE DATE!
MARCH 21ST - 23RD, 2016