Westerville Parks & Recreation Has Gold Medal in Sight
What is one of the major goals of a three-time national gold medal winning department? A fourth gold medal.
In that spirit, the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce it is among the finalists for the 2013 National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA) gold medal award.
The NRPA gold medal is the association’s most prestigious award, honoring communities throughout the nation that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and agency performance. Westerville, along with other finalists, is judged in a variety of categories, centered on how well the department meets the needs of the audiences it serves, including residents, businesses and visitors.
An application process for the gold medal began earlier this spring, with a committee of staff and volunteers working together to tell Westerville’s story. This is the first year the department has been eligible for the gold medal since winning in 2007. NRPA requires a five-year term before winning departments can again apply for the award.
“Westerville is known nationally for its excellence in parks and recreation, and our history with the gold medal is a big part of the reason we have such an outstanding reputation,” said Randy Auler, Westerville Parks & Recreation Director. “Westerville residents and participants have shown a strong, lasting commitment to parks, green and open spaces, and recreational programming, and we’re so honored to bring that full-circle and back to the community we serve.”
The winning communities will be announced in October at the NRPA national conference in Houston, Texas. Keep your fingers crossed for No. 4, Westerville.
Long-range planning is one of the key elements to the national gold medal award, and the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department is well-versed in strategic planning. The recently updated Parks & Recreation Master Plan is the department’s vision for the future.
While the plan was in development since late last year, the community was a key collaborator with this version. Through months of focus groups, surveys and special events, the community helped shape and define priorities and opportunities for the next generation of the community’s parks and recreation services. From thousands of interactions with the community, here’s an overview of the feedback:
What We Heard:
Community participation exceeded our expectations, but survey results exceeded national standards:
- 93% have used a park or facility within the last year.
- 67% rated park quality as “Excellent.”
- 60% have participated in a program.
- 62% rated program quality as “Excellent.”
- 85% of residents feel use of the income tax has been “Good” or “Excellent.”
Survey-rated importance related to improvements:
- Expand bikeways and walkways
- Expand Community Center
- Upgrade existing parks
- Improve access to waterways
- Provide older adult/Senior Center space
Survey-rated importance related to programs:
- Adult fitness and wellness
- Community special events
- Outdoor adventure and nature
What we expect:
These community demographics and characteristics are changing, reflecting national trends and statistics.
- A greater emphasis is being placed on public health in parks and recreation programming.
- Non-traditional outdoor and adventure recreation opportunities are on the rise.
- Baby Boomers are more active than older adults of previous generations, and have different and evolving wants and needs from recreational services.
- Our community is culturally and ethnically diverse, and Parks and Recreation is meeting the needs of our changing demographics.
For more information on the Westerville Parks & Recreation Master Plan, please visit www.westerville.org/parks.
New Program to Help Residents Improve Energy Efficiency, Reduce Costs
Westerville residents who are customers of the Westerville Electric Division and Columbia Gas of Ohio will soon have a new tool to reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills.
For $50, eligible Westerville residents may apply for the In-Home Energy Program, a comprehensive home energy audit that identifies how much energy a home consumes and what steps may be taken to make the home more energy efficient.
When the home energy audit is conducted, a certified professional uses an arsenal of instruments to locate air leaks, evaluate the performance of gas appliances and water heaters, and pinpoint problem spots in airflow and insulation. The audit is administered by Conservation Services Group, a national provider of residential energy efficiency programs with offices located in Westerville.
“Here in Westerville, we constantly strive to keep energy costs as low as possible, which includes providing our customers with the means to implement energy-saving, cost-effective measures in their own homes,” said Westerville Electric Utility Manager Andrew Boatright. “An energy audit is an excellent way to learn about your home’s energy usage and is an important first step to take when identifying opportunities to reduce the cost of heating, cooling and lighting your home.”
In addition to performing an energy audit, residents may also reduce energy consumption by adopting any number of easy-to-remember, energy-saving measures in their day-to-day routines, such as:
• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Turn off or unplug electrical equipment when not in use.
• Keep showers to 10 minutes or less.
• Change furnace and air conditioning filters every three months.
Residents who apply for the In-Home Energy Program may also be eligible to receive CFL bulbs, LED night lights, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and a hot water pipe wrap for their home, from the City of Westerville at no additional charge.
Supplies are limited. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule your energy audit today, please call 1-877-644-6674. For more information about the program, please contact the Westerville Electric Division at 614-901-6700.
Staff Profile
Crime Prevention Specialists Set on Safer Westerville
Pierre LaRose and Preston Tartt were each led to a career in crime prevention by way of a desire to help people and contribute to their communities. As Crime Prevention Specialists for the Community Services Bureau of the Westerville Division of Police, they are responsible merging crime prevention techniques with community engagement, as well as tracking and analyzing crime trends in and
around Westerville.
Where are you from? How did you get to Westerville?
PL: I grew up in Pickerington and graduated from Pickerington High School North in 2004. From there, I received my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati and my master’s in criminal justice from the University of Toledo. Following graduate school, I attended the University of Toledo College of Law for one year. Before coming to Westerville, I worked for Franklin County as a case facilitator for criminal offenders. During that time, I performed case management duties, as well as taught drug education class to offenders at the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility. My interest in the Crime Prevention Specialist position stemmed from an internship I completed in 2008 with the Cincinnati Police Department (Neighborhood Liaison Unit).
PT: I am from Cincinnati, and ended up working in loss prevention for a retailer in Indianapolis and Cincinnati. I knew that I was not going to want to do loss prevention for the rest of my life, so I decided to start looking sooner rather than later. I noticed the Westerville opportunity and thought that it would be a good fit for me.
What guided you into a career in public safety and law enforcement?
PL: I wasn’t really interested in public safety/law enforcement until I went to college. Both of my parents had degrees in engineering, so I followed that path until deciding it wasn’t something I was passionate about. I wanted to get involved in a field that helped people, so criminal justice was a natural fit.
PT: Growing up, I was always excited when I saw a police car flying by. By my senior year in high school, my mom and I sat down with the guidance counselor, and I said that I either wanted to study education or criminal justice. The counselor went through a few schools that offered one of the programs, but Bowling Green State University had both so I chose BGSU. I enjoyed my classes so much I just stuck with them from undergrad through grad school.
What are your objectives in crime prevention for the community?
PL: My objectives in crime prevention for Westerville are to develop practical strategies for deterring crime. We are trying to accomplish this by increasing awareness about pertinent issues in the community and working with the residents to develop ideas that will benefit the community and increase the effectiveness of the police. We are also trying to expand the reach of the Community Services Bureau into the Westerville City School District and work with young people to improve their decision-making. I think that our age, educational backgrounds and work backgrounds allow us to relate well with students of all demographics.
PT: To do whatever we can to address any concerns within the community. We also want to celebrate and assist with anything that is going well, too. We work to continue to get the information out to people in the community and ensure there is dialogue between residents and the police department. Also, I enjoy working with young adults and teenagers, so I am looking forward to continuing to meet with young people and students, as we already have at some of the schools.
What are the current programs you utilize to accomplish those objectives?
PL: Currently, we use software for data analysis/crime mapping, and we are exploring using some other programs to assist us in statistical analysis and information sharing. We are also working to expand and improve the community events that the police department manages, and we would eventually like to add additional programs to the list.
PT: We’re still doing all of the great programs WPD is known for. We have given the newsletter a new look and made it electronic, and we are also starting to give more presentations out in the community. We have done a few presentations at the high schools as well. A big hit thus far has been the daily crime updates for residents. We try to update residents as quickly as possible on what is going on in the community. And we continue to add people more and more every day. If you would like to be added, just email crimeprevention@westerville.org with your name and address, and you will receive information about crime updates, alerts and police event information.
What are simple things you tell people to do to reduce their risks of becoming a victim of crime?
PL: Awareness is the key thing we want to relay to the citizens we talk to. It is important that people are aware of potential risks and also aware of information or resources they can use to protect themselves and their property. We are using crime reports, speaking engagements, risk assessments and information sharing initiatives to help in raising awareness.
PT: Crime prevention is 24/7, but if you make it a habit, you tend to do things without even noticing, like locking your doors to your cars and home or taking your purse/wallet/phone when you get out of the car. Also, remember to talk to your neighbors; you know what’s normal for your street or apartment complex. More than likely, if something is not right, somebody else shares the same concern or uneasy feeling. My favorite tip is to be friendly. Believe it or not, being friendly can actually deter crime. Whenever I see a vehicle I don’t recognize driving through my neighborhood, I wave. Being a good person and saying hello and or waving lets someone know that I see you. You would be surprised how many people appreciate a wave and wave back. You will also be surprised at how many people get uncomfortable and leave.
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
PL: In my free time, I enjoy exercising, spending time with my girlfriend, playing video games, paintball and attending sporting events. I’m also working hard to improve my golf game and cooking, and I enjoy traveling whenever possible.
PT: In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking – I strive to make the world’s best macaroni and cheese. This summer I am into grilling out. I also enjoy traveling and hanging out with friends and family. I also enjoy just being outdoors.
By the Numbers
18
Number of hours spent by Westerville residents over the course of seven weeks in the spring class of the Westerville Citizen’s Academy learning about departments and functions. From the top of the Electric Division’s bucket truck to moving “snow” (sand) by plow, residents got a hands-on approach each week to City programs and services. Applications are now being accepted for the fall class. See full details online at www.westerville.org/wca.
PHOTO CAPTION: Graduates from the spring class celebrate during their recognition at the May 7 Westerville City Council meeting.
Mark Your Calendars
National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 6
6:30-9:30 p.m.
The Westerville Division of Police will host and participate in several neighborhood events for the 2013 National Night Out, known as “America’s Night Out Against Crime.” The national event brings local public safety agencies and communities together for the evening to heighten awareness about and participation in crime prevention. The event is also targeted at sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and ready to combat crime. For more information, please visit www.westerville.org/police.
Annual Maintenance, Westerville Community Center
Monday, Aug. 19-Saturday, Aug. 31
Open to close
Each year, the Community Center is closed for a two-week period for maintenance and repairs. This maintenance program affects the Watering Hole, which is drained and cleaned. The south end of the building, including Teen Scene, Sprouts Room and activity rooms will be closed for painting and repairs. The indoor playground and climbing wall will also be closed. The fitness area and gymnasium will be closed only for Tuesday. Passholders may use Highlands Park Aquatic Center during this time. For more information or questions about planning your activities in advance, please contact Westerville Parks & Recreation at 614-901-6500.
Public Safety Profile: Combating Vandalism and Graffiti
By Lt. Tracey Myers, Community Services Bureau
Vandalism and graffiti are common problems in all communities, and Westerville is no different. And our attractive and expansive parks and trail system is often a target. Unfortunately, as with most types of crime, damage to public property requires everyone to pay. While the City has efficient and effective ways to make repairs or remove graffiti, the process can be frustrating for staff, law enforcement, residents and businesses.
The Westerville Division of Police has implemented programs to deter these crimes, many of which can help us identify suspects. One program in partnership with the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department, Path Watch, enrolls the eyes and ears of community volunteers to help us have a steady presence on the community trails. Path Watch volunteers are trained to assist us with recognizing issues along the 26 miles of bike and leisure paths and trails throughout the City. Through quick reporting, Path Watch volunteers have helped us acquire information and spot trends.
While there is no base “profile” of someone who will vandalize or deface public property, law enforcement specialists know there are spikes around when school ends for the year and before school starts. This is an excellent time for parents to remind kids, particularly those in middle or high school, that these are crimes and will be prosecuted if and when an investigation leads to the identity of a suspect or suspects. The more help we have in the community, including with parents and guardians, the more we can together keep Westerville parks and trails in excellent condition. For more information or to get involved in Path Watch, please visit www.westerville.org/parks.
Boards and Commissions
Your community is calling you to service. Consider bringing your talents and experience to public service through an appointment on a Westerville Board or Commission. Effective Dec. 31, 2013, these vacancies and terms are available.
Board and Commission members evaluate these special issues and make recommendations to Westerville City Council. To meet the qualifications, an individual must be a Westerville resident (residing within the corporate limits of the City of Westerville) for six months, a registered voter and not a public office holder or other current Board/Commission member.
Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 18, and are available by calling Mary Johnston, MMC, Clerk of Council at 614-901-6410 or via email at mary.johnston@westerville.org. Information and applications are also available online at www.westerville.org.
Fitting Fitness in
By Mike Herron, Fitness Manager, Westerville Parks & Recreation
When people start to contemplate their entry into health and fitness, one of the many questions asked of fitness professionals is, “How much exercise should I get?”
An open-ended question like this is similar to asking a sommelier (wine expert), “What is the best wine to go with this meal?” The responses can vary based on your age, health and fitness level, but it can be pared down to this: a person will need at least 150 minutes of exercise per week to stay healthy. Simpler yet, 30 minutes a day at least five days a week, and even those 30 minutes each day can be split up. It is best to not only spread your activity out during the week, but to break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day. Try for a minimum of at least 10 minutes at a time.
This recommendation is supported by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association because studies directly link physical activity to improved health and wellness. The recommendation to accumulate 150 minutes per week provides a good starting point for those looking to become active without becoming quickly overwhelmed. Considering the flexibility of accumulating those minutes within a week, there are several strategies an individual can implement to fit it in. It should be noted, though, that individuals looking to experience weight loss may need to be more active than 150 minutes per week, along with modifying their dietary habits.
While busy work schedules, family obligations and packed weekends can make life hectic, experts recommend practical tips when it comes to fitting in 150 minutes per week.
• Do it in short bouts. Moderate-intensity physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day in 10-minute bouts, which can be just as effective as exercising for 30 minutes continuously.
• Mix it up. Combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity can be used to meet the guidelines. For example, you can walk briskly for 30 minutes twice per week and jog at a higher intensity on two other days.
• Set your schedule. Maybe it’s easier for you to walk during your lunch hour, or perhaps hitting the pavement right after dinner is best for you. Setting aside specific days and times for exercise that work best in your schedule can be helpful.
• Gym or no gym. It doesn’t take an expensive gym membership to get the daily recommended amount of physical activity. A pair of athletic shoes and a little motivation are all you need to live a more active, healthier life. Just start a walking routine and you’ll see a spike in your energy levels after awhile.
• Practice. During your child’s sports practice, walk around the field or leisure paths.
- Hunt for farthest parking spot. Deliberately park farther away from office or store and walk farther. It may not seem like much, but those minutes will add up over time.
- Reward! Set a short-term goal and reward yourself with a health- or fitness-related incentive (workout clothes or watch, etc). In order to stay motivated, select an event (such as a local 5K) that will keep you on track.
- Make it a family affair. Take your spouse, your children or a friend with you to add some fun exercise ideas to your routine. Studies show that “exercise buddies” (even walking your dog regularly) help people remain active. This is also a good way to encourage your kids to be physically active and get them committed early to a lifetime of health.
