The Development and Operations Section prides itself on providing best practices to staff involved with the planning, development, maintenance, and operations of park facilities. Late in 2021, members of the D&O Board began tracking the progress of Assembly Bill 1346 which aimed to ban the sale of new small off-road engines (SORE) under 25 gross horsepower by 2024.This includes pivotal landscaping equipment utilized to maintain parks daily including, but not limited to leaf blowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and pressure washers.
After the adoption of AB 1346 on October 9, 2021, the D&O Board immediately began planning outreach and engagement opportunities for all interested parties. The goals set by the D&O Board included:
1) Inform agencies of the impacts of AB 1346 via web announcements, social media posts and programs.
2) Develop partnerships with equipment manufacturers and battery-powered advocates.
3) Host outreach and engagement programs which include hands-on demonstrations of battery-powered landscape equipment and feature informative educational sessions.
4) Provide resources, training opportunities and essential contact information.
5) Provide feasibility studies for informed decision making.
Throughout 2022, the D&O Section successfully achieved these goals by “spreading the word” via web announcements, social media posts and hosting outreach and engagement programs. This included one dedicated program to SORE legislation held on January 13, 2022. Strong partnerships were formed with the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), B&M Landscaping and Mean Green Mowers. Additional programs in 2022 featuring SORE content were held during the annual Park Symposium in March and the Park Planning and Development Institute in October. Program content included grant opportunities for battery-powered equipment purchases, hands-on training on battery-operated landscape equipment and networking opportunities with advocacy and partner organizations. Last, park specific feasibility studies were presented on equipment conversions with pertinent information regarding charge times, equipment lifespans, performance, and pricing (courtesy of the cities of Glendale and Redwood City).
We are thrilled to announce that these outreach and engagement efforts have been acknowledged by the CPRS Board of Directors by awarding the Development and Operations Section the "2022 Board 100 Award". Special thanks and gratitude to our partners with the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), B&M Landscaping, Mean Green Mowers, City of Glendale and City of Redwood City for their support and expertise. These programs would not have been successful without them.