With nine facilities and 42 parks, Elk Grove Park District has a lot of ground to clear once snow begins to fall. “Each parking lot has a unique configuration, so there are customized plowing plans to choreograph both plowing and piling snow,” explains Anita Healy, ARM, CPSI, Risk Manager and Safety Coordinator. “Each public walk and facility pathway poses unique challenges with tactile warning surfaces, utility boxes, bollards, statues, planters, bike racks and more.” As at other agencies, safe snow removal is a top priority at Elk Grove. Executive Director Tom Busby points out that “slip and fall accidents can be common during the winter months, but proper snow removal helps prevent them...

On Nov. 16, PDRMA’s premier training event, the Risk Management Institute (RMI), begins with a keynote cliffhanger — literally. “Lessons from a Mountaineering Tragedy” is a life-and-death story from hiking enthusiast and risk management professional Ty Gagne, CEO of New Hampshire Public Risk Management. His talk offers surprising parallels in decision making, leadership and situational awareness for park district managers.

“This year’s RMI includes a careful look at challenging scenarios with sessions on Managing the Risks of Special Events and Security and Emergency Planning for the Modern-day Recreation Agency,” said Bill Hooker, PDRMA Training Program Supervisor. “We’ll also address OSHA compliance and how employees and agencies can empower financial wellness through behavior change and choices.”

Gagne’s story follows opening remarks from Brett Davis, PDRMA CEO, and attendees can choose from among morning and afternoon sessions that best address their agency’s needs...

There’s something about the chill of autumn that makes us think about bonfires, haunted houses and corn mazes. While warming up by an outdoor fire is appealing, it’s important to remember that dry leaves and grass increase fire danger from flying sparks or inattention...

If you’re like most people, spring and fall conjure images of cleaning in one way or another. Whether it’s inside or outside your home or agency, there are seasonal lists of jobs to do. And many of them involve ladders. Consider these scenarios...