Quantum Recreation Networking

Looking for a GREAT RECREATION WINGMAN

June 13, 2020Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

Importance of Networking for Recreation Professionals

If you are working as a recreation professional, you might just have the most rewarding job. The extrovert’s dream, you work with people and get to be outside and organize events. The beauty of working as a recreation professional is that all you need is a passion for recreation. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a little R & R? Whether you went to university and got a degree or you decided to venture into the wide world of entrepreneurship and open a food truck, anyone has the ability to work as a recreation professional.

Being a recreation professional is more than organizing or attending events, it is more than attending summer camps and leading fun activities. To flourish as a recreation professional, it is of absolute importance to network. Network with other professionals, leaders of other organizations is vital to the development and improvement of not only the park you represent but also it is excellent for interpersonal development. Networking is made easier with Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, however, don’t limit your networking to only parks and recreation. Broaden your horizons and venture into networking outside of your sphere. There are many organizations in and around Alberta that offer brilliantly beneficial opportunities and ideas.

What is networking?

All this is made easier if you know a little bit about what networking is all about? Networking is about exchanging ideas, sharing information with like-minded individuals who are either in the same career or similar careers. These informational exchanges usually happen at conferences, within a more social setting, around the buffet table in between seminar sessions or during a break at an event that like-minded professionals are attending.

Why is networking important?

When you network, you increase your visibility, you meet potential clients or professionals that you can work with. You stay abreast of the current news or trends in the recreation field; i.e. you get to know other practitioners, and you have access to the expertise, knowledge and information from others who have walked the road already.

Networking is most effective when it is done face-to-face, however there is something to be said about the effectiveness of networking online. Social media platforms, forums and online groups open up a world of networking opportunity. Through online networking, you are able to reach out to professionals from around the world and share ideas, ask questions and gain vital and valid information. In a time when information and technology are gaining traction and changing at a rapid pace, it is a good idea to crack open that laptop and start joining different groups and start networking.

This brings us to networking with consultants and the role they play in the municipal world. A consultant’s whole business is about networking, making sure they are in the know with the trends, what other municipalities are doing and how other industries are supporting the field of recreation. Quantum Recreation is passionate about recreation and has a knack for networking, which is why it is great to get to know our team. We can also start helping others network more effectively and efficiently. The Quantum Recreation team attends as many events as possible and welcomes anyone to look for them at these events for a chat, or you could even approach them to help you navigate through an event and network with the professionals.

Quantum Recreation has built up a strong contact base and a large network around Canada. Our expertise also stretches over other sectors, like the special event and project management sector. Our vast network and collective in-depth knowledge of different sectors make our team members are ideally suited to help any recreation professional.

Think of the Quantum Recreation Team as your wingman at the next event, helping you meet other practitioners, and giving you the right information to make the right connection.

Key constraints in opening recreation and parks facilities post Covid-19.

Key constraints in opening recreation and parks facilities post Covid-19.

June 6, 2020Team QuantumconsultingLeave a comment

Well, this year, we have had an unprecedented impact on our recreation and parks facilities. The Covid-19 virus has shut down all public gathering spaces which in turn has shut down our recreation and parks facilities. Now, as our province and many others start lessening the restrictions, we are able to start opening up. As recreation practitioners, we are all getting excited to see our facilities filled again with the hustle and bustle of attendees looking to create community, participate in sport and get their flex on. However, as the provincial health organizations are providing quick timelines and the public do not understand that the municipality has the final decision what services to offer first. It seems we are placed in a difficult place and often appears as if we are “Flat-footed”. We like to use The Triple Constraint Theory. This theory pertains typically to projects however we have used it for special events and decision making for Councils.

The quality of a project, product or opening of a recreation and parks facility is impacted by three variables;

  1. Scope-to what extent or details you require
  2. Time-how fast do you want to do it
  3. Budget or cost-how much do you want to spend

As we all know, in a municipality, it is impossible to be all things to all people. Using this model allows us to understand that if you place emphasis on one variable it impacts the other variables. For example, if you are asked to open playgrounds at 3:30pm on a Friday and have staff only till 4:30pm what do you do?

If the expectation is all playgrounds (SCOPE) need to open fast (TIME) then we will need the staff to work overtime (BUDGET/COST). This would provide all playgrounds open (QUALITY) but with increased staff time (BUDGET/COSTS).

However, if we manage expectations by only opening half the playgrounds (SCOPE), which would need to be open fast (TIME) allows for less overtime (BUDGET/COST). This would provide limited playgrounds open (QUALITY) but with less staff time (BUDGET/COSTS).

Why is this important?

As municipal practitioners, we can influence our CAO or Managers in turn Council to understand the complexities of our work and the associated costs. This can be completed by asking staff or estimating hours based on our current services levels. This doesn’t mean every request is a “No,” but it can’t always be a “Yes.” You need to be able to paint pictures to ensure that senior administration and Council understand there are options for every decision and to help drive those decisions. Anything can be done. It just depends on what costs, timeline and scope you want it to be completed.

It will be important to create a plan to prepare for the provinces opening up strategies and  you have at least two options full opening and a staged opening. You can develop a plan and include analysis of the two options, full opening and a staged open, using the step below. The analysis and plan can be used to present to Council and Senior Staff.

  1. Review current staffing levels and estimate staffing of the two options.
  2. Create timelines that account for both options.
  3. Estimate the financial impact of the two options.
  4. Get press releases ready for two options.
    1. Include timelines, what is opening and why, and the processes required in the opening recreation and parks facilities. For example, a pool cannot just be filled with a garden hose and opened like one in the back yard.
  5. Start prepping staff on requesting who can work weekends or who wants to work overtime to ensure you can meet the option presented.
  6. Make sure all the necessary supplies are stockpiled

Completing this will ensure that you will not be caught “Flat-footed” and senior administration and therefore Council will understand what it takes to provide quality recreation and parks facilities in a time when we have shut down due to Covid-19.

Quantum Recreation and JPRM June is parks and rec month

Shhhh… Listen! Do You Hear The Sound Of “June Is The Recreation And Park Month?”

May 29, 2020Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) is to celebrate and encourage you to get out and enjoy the many advantages of recreation and parks. JRPM promotes the benefits of being active and recognizing the contribution that recreation and parks make to the quality of life.

A great initiative that began in 2005 in the province of Ontario has extended to all of Canada. With JRPM events ranging from fishing derbies to free swim days at the local pool. Families and residents can get active and enjoy the many health benefits that recreation and parks provide. In Alberta, this year JRPM will be focusing on connecting people together, and with nature, through recreation and parks. 

BENEFITS OF JRPM

JRPM may look a little different this year due to COVID-19, but there are still plenty of activities and events to participate in while practicing physical-distancing.  Here are some of the key benefits from the benefitshub: 

Help Build Strong Families and Communities

It is proven that if families and couples share recreation pursuits, they are more likely to stay together. These pursuits allow us to come together and explore different forms of both families and communities. Many people who participate in recreation activities are often catalysts that build strong, self-sufficient, and sustainable communities.

Economic

Recreation also is an economic driver. During the pandemic, fitness equipment, bicycle, and R. V. sales have increased. With the work from Healthwellnesscoalition, we know that these small businesses are crucial for the economy  because recreation, fitness, sport, arts, culture, parks, and open spaces are significant employment generators.

Personal Health

We know that being active has a lot of physical health benefits, a reduction in obesity, some cancers and diabetes. But there is also the mental  health of individuals that recreation can provide benefits. This is more important than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic; recreation can reduce stress and depression and manufacture social connections between people. WE have seen an increase in apps and online clubs for people to complete races or challenges to still stay connected while recreating.

JRPM is only one month, but the benefits last all year long. So, for 2020, get out, recreate and create those connections while remaining at a six foot distance.

Adapted from: http://benefitshub.ca/recreation-benefits-statements/

Best Practices for Cleaning Gyms

May 20, 2020Team QuantumFitnessLeave a comment
Quantum Recreation Gym Cleaning COVID
How to Clean Your Gym Post Covid

As the COVID-19 spreads throughout the globe, many businesses have been struggling to stay open for their customers. Gyms and recreational centres have also been suffering a lot from this pandemic.

Various gyms and recreational centres are now putting effective precautions in place for the public’s safety. They assure people that if they’re safe from the infection, they can visit the gym and recreational centres without any fear.

Guidelines For Gyms

Here are some guidelines that gyms can follow to ensure the safety of their visiting members and the general public.

  • Create different time blocks for the gym members to exercise, with disinfecting and cleaning between the time blocks.
  • Check the temperature of the gym members and any other visitors.
  • Install a sanitizing station with hand sanitizers and soaps for the members.
  • Follow the Safe Distancing gyms guidelines. Place the exercise machinery at a safe distance.
  • If any member exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, immediate medical help should be availed. The place should be disinfected afterward.

By following these highlights and the proper Covid-19 hygiene for surfaces, gyms keep their members safe. However, the members should be made aware of the possible infections.  A gym cleaning protocol should also be followed.

COVID-19 Gym Cleaning Protocol

Here is the cleaning protocol that gyms can follow to stay safe during the pandemic.

  • Staff must wash their hands thoroughly before and after cleaning the gym equipment.
  • Personal Protective Equipment should be worn by the gym’s staff.
  • Proper disinfecting wipes or spray should be used to clean the surfaces properly.
  • Leave the disinfecting liquid on the surfaces for a while to allow them to function properly.
  • All of the PPEs and used equipment should be disposed of after disinfecting the facility.

For The Clients

Clients can follow these tips.

  • Cover the equipment’s surface with a towel before using it. It creates a physical barrier between your body and the equipment’s surface.
  • The surface should be cleaned properly after use, especially if you’ve sweated on it during exercise.
  • Wash your hands properly after using the gym’s equipment. This can stop the spread of the virus.
Picture of Playground Closed due to COVID-19

What Municipalities are doing for Parks Amid COVID’19

May 11, 2020Team QuantumPlaygroundsLeave a comment
  • Quantum Recreation Closed Courts Covid
    Tennis Courts Closed due to COVID-19.

The pandemic of COVID’19 has affected human life in different ways. We have had to stay home, due to social distancing to flatten the curve of infection of the COVID-19 virus. This has prevented us from participating in our fitness or recreation programs, which are key to our healthy lifestyles. This closure of recreation centres and parks have negatively impacted us both physically and mentally. Additionally, staff and contract workers are facing an economic crisis due to the closures, as it has depleted their source of income.

Countries have started considering the loss these closures are causing and hence started taking measures based on the number of COVID-19 cases a municipality possesses. The ease will not be sudden or similar in all the areas. If we look deep into the Canadian or American municipalities, the reopening plan for specific recreation centres differs in their ways.

So, What are Canadians Doing?

COVID 19 has distressed the entire country, and the officials are trying their best to make it favourable for the masses. The observed number of cases in Canada has decreased in the previous month, yet the warning for another wave is alive. The provinces are working differently on lifting the restrictions, based on their circumstances.

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, for instance, has decided to lift the restrictions from the parks and community gardens and yet parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds and sports facilities will remain close. The aim is to allow a minimum number of individuals to ensure the public maintains social and physical distance. The current rule is two metres (6 feet) of distancing and a limited number of five people standing in a group. Moreover, people are requested to use their sanitizers and keep their hands constantly clean.

Edmonton, on the other hand, is focused on physical distancing. And with the ease in restrictions, they have allowed the parking lots and parks to open. However, public restrooms, playgrounds, dog parks and sports facilities are still closed.

There is no official national response or coordination on how parks should be operated by the municipality. For example, in New Brunswick, Moncton and Saint John the parks and beaches are open.

What are Americans doing?

Since the US is suffering from extreme cases of COVID 19, most of the states are not lifting restrictions. Where South Carolina, Texas and Florida are picking up pace towards easing restrictions, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut are focusing on more precautious.

In Jersey City, for instance, has decided to open only five parks with certain restrictions. Also, the authorities will do a deep cleaning before the parks re-open. The use of parking lots will be limited to 50%, the playground or sports activities which require shared equipment will not be allowed, and the indoor facilities or public restrooms will remain close. Social distancing is considered mandatory for the people, and authorities will take immediate actions against those who violate the rules. Furthermore, the Police Department will keep a check on all the actions taken by the people and the authorities, to respond accordingly.

Most of the parks around the country are opened but with limited access. Government has not restricted people from inhaling healthy and fresh air as far as they are following the rule of social distancing. But parks with the most crowd are not open, for the safety of the people and the staff.

Parks and recreation centres are essential to health and wellbeing. But as COVID 19 spreads with human interactions, governments around the world are taking adequate actions to lessen the chances of infection.

how to sanitize a playground

How to Sanitize a playground/playspace in a COVID-19 World?

May 7, 2020Team QuantumPlaygroundsLeave a comment

Sanitation of playground equipment

The Government of Canada is recommending the following diluted bleach mixture (as being effective against COVID-19): Diluted bleach prepared according to the instructions on the label, OR, in a ratio of:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per cup (250 mL) or
  • 4 teaspoons (20 mL) per litre (1000 mL)

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19.html

  1. Ensure playground/playspace area is free of users.
  2. While wearing personal protective equipment, use a cloth with the bleach solution and wipe down the most used touch points such as handrails, climber rungs, etc.
  3. Wait till playground is dry and then permit use.

General cleaning of playground equipment

  1. Start by reading playground manufacturers instruction manual for specific instructions.
  2. Ensure playground/playspace area is free of users
  3. Use a power washer on metals and plastics (be sure to start on the lowest / least powerful setting to help ensure no damage to the equipment) while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid contaminated water droplets.
  4. Use warm soapy water and a cloth for all other playground surfaces.
  5. You can use a soft bristle brush can be used to get rid of dirt on plastics, get into crevices and to clean ropes.

 Hopefully by working together to keep our playgrounds/playspaces and recreational facilities clean we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and/or other communicable diseases.

For full version: https://www.cpsionline.ca/UserFiles/File/CPSI_forms/HowToSanitizePlaygroundEquipmentInACOVID-19World-r15.pdf from the Canadian Playground Safety Institute

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