Community Announcements

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. 

On October 13, the CPRS Development & Operations Section proudly hosted the 2022 Park Planning & Development Institute at Mayfair Park in the City of Lakewood. This hybrid program featured two educational tracks presented both in-person and virtually via Zoom. A total of 82 participants enjoyed a day of enjoyable sessions on content ranging from drone mapping to budgeting for CIPs. 

Thank you to all our attendees and guest speakers for creating such an amazing day of collaboration! Hope to see you all at CONNECTIONS in April 2023!

The Development & Operations Section proudly announces the 2022/23 Scholarship Opportunities for students or staff interested in furthering their knowledge of park planning, design, operations and maintenance. 

2022 CPRS Maintenance Management School (MMS)

Every year, 150+ park and recreation professionals, representing over 60 public agencies, arrive in stunning Lake Arrowhead to participate in this five-year program. The school teaches a systematic approach for determining the resources needed to maintain a public facility, with lifelong professionals providing knowledge and opportunities not available anywhere else. The Development and Operations Section offers multiple full and partial scholarships annually. Scholarship funds school fees-and meals on campus. Travel is not included. Visit www.cprs.org/education/multidayevents/mms for more information. MMS is typically held the second week of November.

Application Opens: July 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022
Application Deadline: September 1, 2022
Award Notifications Sent by September 30, 2022

2023 Fred Brooks Scholarship

The Brooks Scholarship was created by the CPRS Development and Operations Section in the name of Fred A. Brooks EdD., an outstanding educator, park and recreational resource planner and manager and organizational administrator. The purpose of the scholarship is to bring attention to his accomplishments and dedication to his field of endeavor as an example for others and to support the education and development of young professionals in fields of study related to the planning, design, construction and management of public spaces, parks, and natural resources. PLEASE NOTE this scholarship is awarded via the California Foundation for Parks and Recreation. Visit www.cprs.org/resources/student-scholarships for information on the Brooks scholarship and more scholarship opportunities!

Application Opens: August 29, 2022
Application Deadline: November 23, 2022
Award Notifications Sent: January 2023
Scholarship Award Recognition Ceremony at CPRS CONNECTIONS 2023: April 3-6, 2023

2023 Development & Operations Section Conference Scholarship

The CPRS Development and Operations Section Board created scholarship opportunities for members to attend the annual CPRS Conference to provide valuable educational and networking opportunities to enhance members personal and professional development. This includes providing scholarships for students, staff and volunteers to attend the annual CPRS Conference and Expo. Scholarships fund conference registration only.

Application Opens: September 1, 2022 – January 6, 2023
Application Deadline: January 6, 2023
Award Notifications Sent by February 1, 2023

2023 Development & Operations Section Park Symposium Scholarship

The CPRS Development and Operations Section Board created scholarship opportunities for members to attend the annual Section Park Symposium for professionals responsible for the planning, construction, project management and maintenance of parks, trails, open space, sports fields, and facilities. Attendees are given a hands-on training that demonstrate the best management practices for park development and maintenance. Event includes education sessions, demonstrations, networking opportunities, and a vendor expo. Scholarship funds symposium registration and food provided at the event.

Application Opens: September 1, 2022 – January 6, 2023
Application Deadline: January 6, 2023
Award Notifications Sent by February 1, 2023