Here’s a quick look at the current list of programs, workshops, and classes being offered in Petersburg from April 29th to May 2nd. It isn’t too late to register. Click on the thumbnail below to see the full schedule. Each column is sorted by section but participants can attend any session they would like.
The Arthritis Foundation will be presenting two sessions before the Petersburg conference. Individually registration is $50 for each class — if you register for both it is $75.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (on the 29th) and Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (on the 30th) are recommended by the Center for Disease Control to help people with arthritis feel better and move more freely. Participants who enroll in classes for one or both of these programs will receive an overview of arthritis, suggestions on how to be an effective instructor, an opportunity to learn all exercise components of the programs, community outreach tips and marketing materials to make your Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program and/or Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program a success!
On April 29 & 30 a pre-conference session will be held detailing the Universal Trail Assessment Process. A minimum of five attendees are required to make certain the course takes place. The fee for this pre-conference session will be $250. Attendees will receive a tool kit and manual as part of their fee.
The Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) is an inventory process that provides objective information about trail conditions (e.g. grade, cross slope, width). The information obtained through an assessment can be used by land managers to prepare budgets, develop maintenance and construction plans, identify potential access barriers, monitor environmental impact, and enhance the safety and enjoyment of trail users (by providing accurate, objective information about the on-trail conditions). Data collected during the assessment can also be used to provide information to all users about the grade, cross slope, tread width, surfaces, and obstructions. This information, known as Trail Access Information (TAI) allows users to select trails based on their abilities and to increase their trail safety and success. Several land agencies and organizations across the nation are using the UTAP to inventory trails and to provide information to trail users and to determine compliance with design standards.
This two-day workshop combines classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience to ensure that participants have the skills and confidence to conduct assessments. Participants completing this workshop will be able to establish a comprehensive inventory of trail characteristics to use for planning, maintenance, budgeting, mapping, and determining compliance with guidelines for trails and access routes.
There are just a handful of Certified Parks and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) in the the state of Alaska. Chris Jenkins of Fairbanks just recently joined their ranks. Congratulations to Chris!
Please download and complete the registration form for the upcoming conference in Petersburg on May 1 & 2. You may return your registration form by mailing to the address on the form or email to 2008conf@alaskarpa.org or fax to (907) 772-2618.
ARPA members pay only $200 for the conference if paid before the last day in March. If you would like to join ARPA you can get details on our membership page. Non-members may also register for the conference for $250. (A year membership is from $25 to $40 so consider joining if you are not already a member.) After March 31, the fee increases by $50 for both members and non-members.
For those planning on attending the Alaska Recreation and Park Association conference in Petersburg this spring here are some details.
Dates - The conference will take place on Thursday and Friday of May 1 and 2. Saturday the 3rd there will be a board meeting in the morning and on Tuesday and Wednesday the 29th and 30th of April the pre-conference sessions will take place.
Pre-conference sessions - The Alzheimer’s Foundation will conduct two classes before the conference. The 29th will be dry-land and the 30th will be mixed dry and aquatic. The cost is $50 per day or $75 for both days. There also will be a Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) class on the 29th and 30th. The price for those two days has been tentatively set at $250.
Airfare - Alaska Airlines flies directly to Petersburg. Airfare from Anchorage runs just over $400 at this time without specials or using frequent flier miles. There is only one flight that arrives in Petersburg from Anchorage daily (stopping in Juneau on the way) so book your tickets early.
Lodging - There are two primary hotels in Petersburg. The Scandia House and the Tides Inn. Both are located downtown. The hotels have shuttle vans but we’ll also have a van to move people to their accommodations so a rental car will not be necessary. There are also a number of B&B’s that may suit your tastes. A few of the more reputable ones are available through the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce website.
Registration - Registration forms will be available online soon. For your planning the fee for members registered before March 31 will be $200. Non-members registering before March 31 will cost $250. Both rates will increase by $50 after the 31st of March. Vendors will pay $250.
Recreation - While in the area you might consider a jet-boat trip up the Stikine River on Saturday or perhaps a quick trip to Wrangell to play golf. We’ll be coordinating this with attendees as the conference nears.
Senator Steven brings the Alaska Trails Initiative to Alaska for Trail funding. Competitive Alaska Trails Initiative grants are available for development and reconstruction of trails and related facilities.
Pre-applications are available at the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation website.
Dear ARPA Members:
The Alaska Recreation and Park Association has established an awards program which recognizes individuals and/or groups for their achievements and contributions to the Parks and Recreation field. Awards will be presented at the upcoming May 2, 2008 ARPA Conference in Petersburg.
Now is the time to honor and recognize all those individuals or organizations around you who help make your organization or agency the quality program or service it is today. Please share about the new professionals or those professionals long overdue for recognition. How about that special volunteer (or group of volunteers), public or private groups or businesses which contribute countless, precious hours toward furthering and enhancing services related to Parks & Recreation? Please take a moment to review the award criteria and nominate a deserving individual or group for the following award categories:
Nominations for this year’s Alaska Recreation & Park Association Awards are due Monday, March 24, 2007. For more information regarding the 2007 ARPA Awards Program please contact: Karin Sturdy, ARPA Awards Chair / PO Box 167 Seward, AK 99664-0167 Email to ksturdy@cityofseward.net.
ARPA Awards recipient history
Nomination categories
Nomination form
American Trails’ National Trails Awards Program: Deadline May 31
Every two years American Trails presents the National Trails Awards to recognize the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, businesses, and other leaders who are working to create a national system of trails for all Americans. Two new awards will be presented at the 19th National Trails Symposium for Best Trails State Award and Community Service Award, among the 12 other categories. Nominations should cover accomplishments during the period of June 1, 2006 - May 31, 2008. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2008. Click here for additional information or download the nomination form.
The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the rec trails grant proposals. See the list of proposals at their 2007 Alaska Recreational Trails proposals website.
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Apr | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
