August '10 Nevada Government—City of Henderson Column

Richwine Named A Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

August 26, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Dirk Richwine, CPRP, Recreation superintendent at the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department, was selected as a fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Membership is limited to only 125 individuals nationwide. Richwine will be inducted into the academy on Oct. 28 in Minneapolis.

The academy’s purpose is to advance knowledge related to the administration of parks, recreation and conservation; promote broader public understanding of the industry; conduct research; and encourage scholarly efforts by practitioners and educators to enhance the practice of parks and recreation.

Richwine has been with the City of Henderson since 1999 and has been a certified parks and recreation professional (CPRP) for 20 years. Prior, he served as Parks and Recreation director for the City of Brighton, Colorado.

He is active within the parks and recreation field, frequently serving as a speaker and presenter at national conferences on topics ranging from master planning to agency accreditation. Currently, he serves on the board of the American Parks and Recreation Society; as a certified CAPRA lead visitor for the National Recreation and Park Association’s Commission on Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies; state conference chair for the Nevada Parks and Recreation Society; and as president-elect of the Nevada Parks and Recreation Society.

Richwine holds a master’s degree in public administration from Golden State University and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

Free Homeschooler Hikes Program Puts Kids In Touch With Nature

August 26, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is launching a new outdoor recreation program for homeschoolers, Homeschooler Hikes. The program features free guided hikes each month led by a knowledgeable Parks and Recreation staff member.

Each hike is held on a different Henderson trail and includes an outdoor learning opportunity tailored to children’s interest and curiosity. Participation is open to youth ages 5-10, accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration is required, and can be made online at cityofhenderson.com (use the corresponding activity number) or at any City of Henderson recreation center.

Pittman Wash Trail and Fitness Facts
Meet at Pecos Legacy Park, 150 Pecos Rd.
9:30-10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 17 (activity 254183-95)

Anthem East Trail and Desert Animals
Meet at Anthem Hills Park, 2256 N. Reunion Dr.
9:30-10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 1 (activity 254183-96)

Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve Conservation and Cleanup
Meet at Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve, 1990 Patrick Ln.
9:30-10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 5 (activity 254183-97)

Children and parents should dress for the weather and bring water.

“This program is designed specifically for the needs and schedules of homeschooled children and their parents,” said Jennifer Magby, Outdoor Recreation coordinator, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “It augments book learning with a hands-on educational component as well as a physical fitness component. The hikes get young bodies moving without being overly intensive.”

For information about additional outdoor recreation opportunities, call the Outdoor Recreation office at 267-4050 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Doggie Paddle & Play Day Sept. 18

Black Mountain Aquatic Complex Goes To the Dogs

August 25, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual Doggie Paddle & Play Day on Sept. 18 at Black Mountain Aquatic Complex, 599 Greenway Rd. Dogs weighing 50 lbs. or less swim 9:00-10:15 a.m., and dogs weighing 50 lbs. or more swim 10:45 a.m. to noon. Admission is $5 per dog, and participants should arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Humans attend for free, but may not enter the water. All dogs must be dog and people friendly, be properly licensed, and owners must have proof of their pet’s vaccination.

Registration is required in advance and can be made at any City of Henderson recreation center or online at cityofhenderson.com (activity 436203).

Black Mountain Aquatic Complex has a graduated entry, making it easy for dogs to walk in and out of the pool as they please. When they aren’t swimming, dogs and their owners can take part in several contests, including pet/owner look-alike, best pet outfit and funny pet tricks.

“With the opening of the new Bark Park at Heritage Park, interest in pet-friendly activities and places to go has never been stronger,” said Angela Hester, Aquatics supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “Our annual Doggie Paddle & Play Day has become one of the most highly anticipated special aquatic events of the year, and people ask about it months in advance. They don’t want to miss it.”

While they are welcome to swim and enjoy the water, pets will not be permitted on the slides or play features. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs, which must be leashed when not in the pool area. The Aquatic Complex will be drained for cleaning and maintenance immediately following the event, and will then be closed for the season.

For additional information, call 267-2980 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Free Fall Fitness Walks Promote Physical Activity on Henderson Trails

August 25, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a series of fall fitness walks designed to acquaint residents with Henderson trails while also promoting the benefits of physical activity. The walks progress in length and difficulty and are led by a knowledgeable Parks and Recreation staff member.

The walks are open to participants ages 14 and up; teens ages 14-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian All of the walks are free, but registration is required. Register at any City of Henderson recreation center or online at cityofhenderson.com using the appropriate activity number.

Cactus Wren Trail, 3 miles
Meet at Cactus Wren Park, 2900 Ivanpah Dr.
7:00-8:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 11 (activity 254092-94)

Anthem East Trail- Bursage Loop, 3.5 miles
Meet at Anthem Hills Park, 2256 N. Reunion Dr.
7:00-9:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 (activity 254092-95)

Equestrian and River Mountains Loop Trails, 5 miles
Meet at Equestrian Park, 1200 Equestrian Dr.
7:00-9:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct 16 (activity 254092-96)

Pittman Wash Trail, 5.5 miles
Meet at Pecos Legacy Park, 150 Pecos Rd.
7:30-9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30 (activity 254092-97)

River Mountains Loop Trail, 6 miles
Meet at Railroad Pass Trailhead, 2800 S. Boulder Hwy.
7:30-10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 20 (activity 254092-98

Anthem East Trail, 7 miles
Meet at Anthem Hills Park, 2256 N. Reunion Dr.
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4 (activity 254092-99)

According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, the federal government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans, adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of aerobic physical activity each week. Recommended moderate-intensity aerobic activities include dancing, gardening and walking.

“Walking is a low-impact exercise with many health benefits. It helps to prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and even certain types of cancer.” said Jennifer Magby, Outdoor Recreation coordinator, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “Our fitness walks also provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the great outdoors and explore Henderson’s many trails.”

For information about additional outdoor recreation opportunities and trail events, call the Outdoor Recreation office at 267-4050 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Workshop Introduces City of Henderson’s New Youth Sports Cheerleading League

August 25, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Cheers, chants, jumps, and kicks are the focus of a youth cheerleading workshop to be held 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Downtown Recreation Center, 105 W. Basic Rd. It is for girls ages 5-15, and is $14 per person. Register online at cityofhenderson.com (activity 184154-53) or at any City of Henderson recreation center. The workshop is hosted by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department.

Participants will be taught proper hand movements, cheers, chants, jumps, and kicks, with an emphasis on team building and leadership. The workshop also serves as an introduction to the Parks and Recreation Department’s new Youth Sports Cheerleading League, which will complement the Department’s Youth Basketball League. Girls participating in the cheerleading league will be assigned to squads that will cheer for the youth basketball teams.

“The workshop provides an introduction to cheerleading and gives girls the opportunity to see what it’s all about. It’s a great activity for girls who are enthusiastic, energetic, and active,” said Tanya Myers, Recreation Services supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “The addition of the Youth Sports Cheerleading League means families can get even more out of the Parks and Recreation Department’s youth sports experience. Siblings might be playing on a basketball team while other siblings are part of the squad cheering on the sidelines.”

For additional information about the workshop or the Youth Sports Cheerleading League, call 267-4040 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Food For Health and Soul Promotes Better Nutrition

Free Program Features Recipe Modification

August 24, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Poor nutrition and bad eating habits contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. But individuals can learn to make positive dietary changes that will improve their quality of life. Food For Health and Soul, a free program offered by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, will help put people on the road to a healthier lifestyle. The program will be held 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 11 through Oct. 16 at Downtown Recreation Center, 105 W. Basic Rd.

Enrollment is open to adults (18+). Although the program is free, registration is required and can be made at any City of Henderson recreation center or online at cityofhenderson.com (activity 174068-53).

The nutrition education program is designed to teach people how to modify favorite family recipes by decreasing sugar, fat, salt, and sodium, and increasing fiber-rich foods during preparation. These simply modifications may decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers.

“Most people grew up eating family recipes that were delicious, but probably high in fat and sodium,” said Tanya Myers, Recreation Services supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “This program makes it possible to modify those family favorites to be healthier and more nutritious. Most lessons include food preparation and sampling.”

For additional information, call 267-4040 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department Labor Day Hours

August 24, 2010 – Henderson, NV – All City of Henderson recreation centers, Heritage Park Senior Facility, Henderson Multigenerational Indoor Pool, Whitney Ranch Indoor Pool, and Heritage Park Aquatic Complex will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. No classes will be held, and the Kids Zone/Teen Zone program will be closed.

Black Mountain Aquatic Complex, Whitney Ranch Activity Pool and Henderson Multigenerational Activity Pool will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wells Outdoor Swimming Pool and BMI Outdoor Swimming Pool will be open from noon to 5:00 p.m. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The City’s Sports office will be closed, but staff will be in the field assisting with scheduled games and tournaments.

For additional information, visit cityofhenderson.com.