Recognizing the need for a nationally coordinated effort to reduce playground injuries, the National Program for Playground Safety was created in 1995. This booklet describes the national action plan for prevention of playground injuries. Designed for use by parents, teachers, recreation and park personnel, and caregivers involved in providing…

Ways to establish neighborhood walkways--pedestrian areas close to residences and linked to conservation and recreation values--are suggested. Ideas include establishing an advisory team and planning groups, sponsoring community walks, installing route markers, and creating walking guides. (CB)

A formula for assessing specific risk of lightning strikes is provided. Recent legal cases are used to illustrate potential liability. Six actions park managers can take to minimize danger from lightning are presented, and commonsense rules which should be publicly posted are listed. (MT)

This document presents guidelines for creating a master plan for community parks and recreation programs. The master plan is a written document used by community decision makers to provide a consistent 5 to 10 year parks and recreation plan. Chapters provide information on: (1) definition and general description of master plans; (2) goals and…

The "Success Garden" in central Harlem, New York, is an outdoor learning center sponsored by city agencies and civic organizations. School children helped clear the ground and design and build the park. Offers tips for starting a school garden. (MLF)

Next to chemical and farm workers, today's children are at the greatest risk from toxic chemicals. Through their normal play activities, children are exposed to a frightening array of toxic hazards, including lead, pesticides, arsenic, and unknown dangers from abandoned landfills and warehouses. Through a series of documented examples, the author…

This document describes the citizen survey process as it relates to study of the parks and recreation field. A community parks and recreation survey consists of identifying the interests, desires, priorities and awareness factors of citizens regarding parks and recreation programs, resources, and facilities as well as the nature and frequency of…

A PlayDay is a day designed to draw attention to a range of play activities, while providing an opportunity for children, families, members of the community, and teachers to share in physical and mental challenges without facing the pressure of winning or losing a game. PlayDays can range from massive park events for thousands of children and…

Provides tips for viewing Comet Halley in the Northeast including best viewing dates from November 1985-January 1986. Discusses going south to view the comet in March-April 1986 and gives specific information about accommodations for the Halley Rally in Everglades National Park, southernmost site in the contiguous 48 states. (JHZ)

This book offers guidelines for planning and designing cost-effective community recreation and sports facilities and open spaces in Australia. Seven chapters include: (1) "Benefits of Recreation and Sport" (e.g., quality of life, and diversity of recreation and sport); (2) "Provision of Recreation and Sport Open Spaces" (e.g.,…

Lists nine steps camps can follow to insure successful use of national forests. Steps are identifying national forest resources; matching expectations with the right setting; using recreation opportunity guides; planning for safety; practicing forest etiquette; practicing fire prevention; knowing the forest environment; participating in volunteer…

The Central Park Project, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, illustrates the importance of participation in the design process and the impact of school sites on children as well as on the surrounding neighborhood. (Author/MLF)

The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information about historical resources to Arkansas teachers who are seeking to develop units of study and/or activities on Arkansas history. The guide is divided into four chapters: (1) Museums, Parks and Historical Sites, (2) Libraries and Archives, (3) Other Sources of Information, and (4)…

As the steward of the nation's premier historic, natural, and recreational resources, the National Park Service manages 15 unique areas within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each of these sites offers hands-on programs specifically geared to meet the needs of teachers and students. The programs support the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks…

This newly revised edition is intended to serve as a practical tool for school administrators, physical education department heads, architects, planning consultants, and all others interested in planning new areas and facilities or checking the adequacy of those already in use. Chapter input was solicited from carefully chosen leaders in the field…