AT THE TOP

The pristine mountain environment of the Town of Payson attracts numerous visitors with the desire to explore and experience nature at its best. The public’s increase in demand for alternative outdoor recreation is a pressing issue faced by parks and recreation. One of the best ways to experience the wonders of the outdoors is to “Take A Hike.”Hiking has become one of the most popular trends influencing Parks and Recreational programs and one that the Town of Payson has embraced. Payson sits in the middle of three National Forest areas and the town is actively creating an area trail system. The goal of the Parks and Recreation Department is to develop hiking trails that feed into the hundreds of miles of National Forest trails surrounding the town. This goal presents an important ethical issue of how to create suitable hiking trails while preserving nature and the integrity of the environment.

Obtaining this goal, in an environmentally friendly manner, the Town of Payson is incorporating the use of the already cleared ‘firebreak ring’ that encompasses the town. A firebreak ring is an area of cleared vegetation created by the US Forest Dept using prescribed burns. The burning and clearing of vegetation creates a natural barrier, encircling the town, and minimizes fire damage by deterring forest fires from entering the community.The Payson Parks and Recreation Department has developed a partnership with the local organization PATS (Payson Area Trails System). Together they have created a master plan for building high-quality hiking trails, through the cleared firebreaks, connecting them to the existing Forest Service trails. These trails lead through the town and intersect the firebreak ring like the spokes of a wagon wheel. This positive action provides a variety of opportunities for hikers to enjoy the beauty and challenge of nature. Utilizing existing trails helps to create an environmentally friendly trail system while leaving little or no detrimental impact on the environment.During my internship, it was my privilege to serve as a hiking instructor and accompany several hikers on a Payson Parks and Recreation Department sponsored hike. The ‘PATS Hikes’ are group-led hikes, free of charge, and are scheduled approximately every month weather permitting. I participated in the ‘Boulders Loop Hike’, a moderate level of difficulty, three-mile hike, which meanders through beautiful ponderosa pines, thick sagebrush, and across rocky formations. The trail follows a creek bed and proceeds along the natural difficulties of the surrounding topography. Sections of the trail are steep and require a certain degree of caution when traveling on it. The trail rises up onto the ‘Boulders Trailhead’ offering a fantastic view of the Granite Dells (a geological high ridge area just south of Payson). My place was at the end of the line serving as the First Aide provider. It was my duty to praise the hikers for their efforts, offer encouragement, and assist the hikers in navigating the steep rocky surfaces, while pointing out interesting and unusual formations. It was a wonderful hike, through some of the most breath taking scenery, enjoyed by everyone.

Splish Splash

The Town of Payson Parks and Recreation Department operates a fantastic aquatics program. This program is geared towards individuals of all ages. Despite the fact that swimming is a summer activity, one which is often thought of as something just to occupy the school kids during summer break, it is also an excellent exercise to be enjoyed throughout one’s lifetime. The Town of Payson operates their aquatic program at Taylor Pool. Here, there is something for everyone.


Swimming programs offered through the Payson Parks and Recreation Department includes a variety of programs. One can swim laps, participate in water aerobics, take swim lessons, compete on the swim team, and enjoy a day of public swim. Each program is offered at different hours throughout the day. The pool schedule is as follows:

 Open Swim: Mon. thru Sat. 1:00 PM - 5:00PM
 Swim Team: 6:30AM–8:30AM
 Water Aerobics: 8:30AM & 5:30PM
 Swim Lessons: M-Th 9:30AM–Noon
 Tues & Thu 5:20PM–6:30PM
 Lap Swimming: 6:30AM–9:30AM & 5PM–6:30PM
 Family Time: Saturday 1-5:00 $6 admission
 CLOSED SUNDAYS

The aquatics program within the Payson Parks and Recreation Department is a program that does not support itself financially. The expense to employ certified lifeguards, water safety instructors, and to maintain the swimming facility overshadows the revenue generated by the public. It is a mere $3.00 (per person) admission fee to swim during open swim. Swimming lessons consist of 8 lessons at a cost of $25.00. Lessons are available to swimmers of all ages from infants (Parent/Tot – beginning at age 6 months) up to Senior Citizens (water aerobics). Members of the Payson Pikes Swim Team (ages 7 years and up) swim at a recreational level, participating in daily practices and compete in meet competitions taking place on Saturdays throughout the summer. The cost to join the swim team is $50.00 per child with some scholarships available.

My responsibilities within the aquatics program are limited because I am not a certified lifeguard nor and I a water safety instructor. I have performed general maintenance at the pool (vacuuming and cleaning) as well as assisting in the admission booth. The organization and running of a public swim pool requires staff and employees that are trained specifically for the job. Being a support staff member, my duties and responsibilities are limited but I have gained the knowledge and experience needed to successfully operate and maintain an aquatic facility. This one summer activity is necessary for all communities, even though it is difficult for a public pool to be financially funded.

Check out the Taylor Pool website:

http://www2.paysonrimcountry.com/Activities/ParksRec/Aquatics/tabid/368/Default.aspx

The Office

This week it’s all about ‘The Office’ - Our full time secretary is going on vacation next week and I'm filling in.

In preparation for her absence, I have spent a week in training to perform the duties she does on a regular basis. This week I will assume all of her responsibilities while she is away. This is a great opportunity for me to further my understanding of how the entire Parks and Recreation Department runs and operates.

I thought, “Oh, Cool - being a secretary is an easy job!” Was I ever wrong! Not only does a secretary work long and hard hours (7am – 6pm : Mon thru Thurs) a secretary also answers the phone, takes reservations, registers participants, enters financial data, and maintains a comprehensive database.

The registration of participants for our many programs is extremely important. Currently we are registering participants for multi-level swim lessons, Dutch oven cooking, the youth archery, a fly-fishing course, and the Dog-CPR 1st Aide class. The registration process can be completed either on-line or in person at the main office. A completed registration form must be submitted along with the appropriate registration fee payable by cash, check, or credit card. The registration information is then entered into our computer database. Payson Parks and Recreation Department utilized the computer program SportsMan SQL that helps us maintain our programs and facilities. This software is capable of tracking activity registration, facility management, internet registration, membership management, and financial reporting. Payson Parks and Recreation is very fortunate to have this technology for use throughout the department, as it is a “customer-driven” program allowing us to enhance our customer service.

In my opinion, the most difficult part of this job is the TELEPHONE CALLS! Triaging phone call after phone call is extremely mentally taxing. The reason I say this is because the phone calls we receive at the office consists of such a variety of questions and concerns. For example, the other day I received an out of area phone call from a Mother of two young children. She was looking for an escape from the Valley heat and inquiring, “What is there to do in Payson for the day?” I was at a loss for words; however, I suggested she visit the Green Valley Park Complex (where our Parks and Recreation Department office is located). I shared with her that fishing at Green Valley is FREE for children 14 and younger and that she might enjoy a cooling dip at the Taylor Swimming Pool.

On several other occasions, I have fielded phone calls regarding public campgrounds, open fire restrictions, and even where to buy good fishing worms. I thought these were odd questions for a Parks and Recreation Department and perhaps best directed to the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and even to the Wal-Mart Supercenter. However, part of our Parks Department mission is to provide recreational activities for the community, therefore by answering their questions and concerns I am assisting the public in achieving this goal.

I believe, “Oh, No - being a secretary is NOT an easy job!” It is not easy being a secretary. The duties and responsibilities performed by the secretary of a Parks and Recreation Department are vital to its smooth and efficient running. I now have a better perspective of how the entire Parks and Recreation Department runs and operates.

SNAP, CRACKLE & POP

It’s JULY 1st and preparations are in full swing for the upcoming 4th of JULY CELEBRATION!!! Payson Parks and Recreation is busy chitchatting about the celebration on the radio, designing ads for the local newspaper, and updating internet posts on the Town’s website. Working for a town Parks and Recreation Department requires employees to sacrifice their own celebrations on selected Holidays. A Holiday, such as the 4th of July, demands each and every employee to work long and hard hours. The preparation and participation needed to ensure an old-fashioned, small-town celebration for the Town requires the total commitment of the staff. The Town of Payson is no different from other towns in their desire to create the perfect family oriented celebration honoring our Nation’s Independence. Payson has the added responsibility of creating a celebration for the huge crowds of ‘flatlanders’ who invade this rural town at the foot of the Mogollon Rim. Thousands of visitors from the Valley of the Sun escape the heat of the valley and take a road trip up the mountain to this pristine small town. The temperature in the Phoenix area averages 106 degrees F during the day and 88 degrees F at night. Payson temperatures run a good 15 degrees cooler with 90 degrees F daytime and a 63 degree F nighttime temperature predicted for the 4th of July.
The influx of people is a big economic boost to the town. Numerous visitors stay overnight in the local hotels, eat at the many restaurants, and shop in the stores throughout town. I believe Payson has successfully put together an outstanding list of activities and events to be enjoyed throughout the day. The highlight of the celebration being the nighttime fireworks display over the three man-made lakes in the center of town.
Activities blast off at 8am with a remembrance of our freedom during a Flag Raising Ceremony taking place at the Veterans Memorial in the park. A Star Studded Parade will follow the ceremony down Ole Main Street at 9am. The parade is open to everybody in the family, including pets, adorned in red, white, and blue costumes. The parade route takes you down Main Street which is decorated with the American Flag displayed on every lamppost. Community members are encouraged to decorate bikes, wagons, ATVs, the old truck and even the family car to join in the fun. Hand held flags will be provided to spectators and parade participants so everyone can wave the flag proudly. After the parade, Main Street transforms into a carnival. Everyone from 10am to 2pm will enjoy games for all ages.
As an intern with the Parks and Recreation Department my responsibilities include constructing the Town’s booth for the event. This small pavilion will act as our information/command post. It is my job to help man and operate the booth throughout the day and into the night. It is here that one will find First Aide treatment, lost and found items, as well as other services as needed. The musical groups, Gypsy Juke Rockers and Johnny Anonymous, will take the center stage from 4pm to 9pm. FIREWORKS will light up the sky, reflecting off the waters of the lakes, to the cheers of the crowd starting at 9pm. The preparation needed to put on this event is extensive. Phone calls had to be made for vendors, the media, and to the many volunteers needed to help with the event. The office staff responded to numerous phone calls coming into the Parks office for information, directions, as well as fielding hundreds of questions concerning the 4th of July celebration. My internship here in Payson has given me the insight into planning and organizing a non-recreational event. Because the Town of Payson has merged the Tourism Department with the Parks and Recreation Department, I was allowed this opportunity to see how both departments can work hand-n-hand towards a common goal. This community wide event, the celebration of the 4th of July Holiday, will be spectacular with the efforts of both departments working side by side.

Nitty-Gritty

The Payson Parks and Recreation Department operates two sand volleyball courts located in Rumsey Park. These courts are FREE of charge to be used by park goers and families. However, on Monday nights @ 6pm the courts come alive with spirited competition. Businesses and ‘Clusters of Friends’ put together teams and sponsor them in the Adult Co-Ed Sand Volleyball League for competition play. This year it was my job to take charge of the League’s organization and scheduling.



The first item on my agenda was to advertise the league and conduct a registration period. I went about this by advertising the upcoming league on the local news channel, placing notices in the local newspaper, as well as distributing flyers throughout the town. These efforts brought together four teams: Payson Regional Medical Center (PRMC), Beach Bums, Sandy Beaches, and the Umpa Lumpas. There is no limit to the amount of players listed on the roster, however for competition, each team must consist of players 16 years or older with both male and female represented. During the games, only four players per team are allowed on the court at one time and both sexes must be represented on the court at ALL time.

Once the teams were established, my job was to place a telephone call to each team captain. I set up an informational meeting with all the captains at which time I provided each team with their approved roster. It is the responsibility of the captain to ensure that each player signs a liability waiver with the Town of Payson prior to participating in any game. At this meeting, I also reviewed the rules of the game and distributed the game schedule. The schedule was organized so that each team plays two games every Monday night. These games are not limited to a time frame; however, they are played in sets of ‘the best of three’ games. The Co-Ed Sand Volleyball League schedule can be viewed at the following website:

http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=jv8MUcJxGh4%3d&tabid=374

Every Monday night, I head to Rumsey Park at 5pm to rake and wet down the courts. I straighten and tighten the boundary markers making sure everything is ready for play come 6pm. Each team is responsible for keeping their own scores and should any issues arise I am there, rulebook in hand, to keep the peace. Play continues throughout the night until all the games are completed ending around 9pm.

This experience has taught me numerous skills in the organization of team sports. I have learned how to initiate a competitive sporting event, organize the logistics of a league, and what it takes to successfully operate a competitive sports league. Not only have I learned management skills with regard to a competitive league, I have also seen what it takes week after week to maintain and prepare the courts for play. This is not a skill that can be learned in the classroom setting. One must actually participate and get down to the Nitty-Gritty to learn these skills.

Running For Cindy

Payson Parks and Recreation hosted its annual Sprint Triathlon on June 13, 2009. My duties involved assisting with the implementation of this triathlon. The activities began the night before the event when a volunteer and I set about the town marking the race path, putting up directional signs, mile markers, and chalk arrows on the streets. The day of the event came early for me starting at 5am. The Parks and Recreation Staff and I registered the competitors issuing them a number and ankle bracelet microchip. The event started at Taylor Swimming Pool with a 500-yard freestyle swim. The participants then proceeded on a 15-mile bike race terminating with a grueling 3.2-mile run. During this event, I staffed a water station as well as rode the course on a Quad making sure all participants remained safe and on the right path.

This event was a bittersweet time for the town of Payson. On June 9th, just four days shy of the Sprint Triathlon Race, a beloved High School chemistry teacher had been killed in a tragic accident. Her name was Cynthia Pool; a member of the community and an avid triathlon runner who had competed in this Sprint Triathlon during the past years. This event was very memorable and heart touching seeing the community come together offering comfort to each other. This year’s race drew nearly twice as many competitors than in years past including a special team of High School students running in memory of their teacher. Triathlon competitors traveled to Payson from all over the state of Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Colorado.
With this experience, I saw firsthand how activities offered by a Parks and Recreation Department unite a community in the face of sadness. Not only did I learn how to implement such a large event, I witnessed the economical impact this event had on the Town of Payson. The large number of participants ascended on Payson spending money on shopping, eating, purchasing fuel and hotel rooms. This is what Parks and Recreation is about, helping the community while meeting the needs of its citizens.

COWBOY UP !

The Arizona State High School Championship Rodeo was held in Payson on June 10th through June 13th. It draws the finest cowboy and cowgirls from Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. “It’s the best of the best,” said Charlene Hunt, town recreation specialist. The rodeo was held at the Payson Event Center located to the south of town across from the Tonto Apache Indian Reservation on Hwy 87. The contestants entered numerous events such as pole bending, goat tying, bareback riding, steer wrestling, bulls, tie-down roping and team roping. Their hopes were to place at the top of their event, securing them a berth in the National High School Rodeo Finals to be held next month in Farmington, N.M.

My involvement with this event included the initial preparation of painting the entire rodeo arena. This began a week prior to event. I was involved in the replacing of the entire chain link fence that surrounds the bottom of the arena. This is a safety requirement to prevent youngsters from entering the arena from the spectator area. Closer to event day, I help set up the pens for livestock which were reserved in advance and rented out to the participants. The rental monies received ($50.00 per pen) is a huge fundraiser for the Parks Department. Another duty of mine was to clear the area in which the vendors would be positioned throughout the 4-day event. During the event, I worked directly under town recreation specialist Charlene Hunt who has organized these types of rodeos for the past 20 years.

Working for the Town of Payson, I have discovered the numerous equestrian programs offered here. The Town owns and operates the facility locals refer to as “The Rodeo Grounds.” These grounds have held a place in Payson history and were once housed on Main Street during the early cowboy days. Besides the High School Rodeo, Payson holds events every Wednesday night such as barrel racing, poles and roping. This is also a place individuals can go to ride their horses. I have been given a great opportunity working with P-Town, as having a rodeo arena within the Parks Department is a special and unique opportunity.