News: Parks and Recreation Staff Perseveres and Demonstrates the Meaning of Resilience

- unabridged version of the article in the Township Winter/Spring 2021 Newsletter

My, what a difference a year makes! This time last year, the Parks and Recreation Staff was in the groove; offering a slew of programs, coordinating special events, summer camps and preparing the swim club and parks for the active months ahead. Although there are processes and procedures that guide the necessary preparation and planning, the staff has come to expect that there will be a snag or issue that will disrupt the progress and test our capabilities. However, the disruption and distress that was caused by Covid-19 was unlike any other. Despite the challenges, fear and uncertainty that came with the fluid situation, the Parks and Recreation Department persevered, pivoted and found ways to provide Northampton residents opportunities to engage in recreational activities during the pandemic.

Shelter at home – what DO we do?

We all remember March 19, 2020 when the Governor of Pennsylvania issued a directive for all state residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. Along with restaurants, bars and retail shops, township facilities were closed including the Administration Building, Library, Senior Center and the Recreation Center. All recreation and sport programs were cancelled and the future of summer rec programs was uncertain.
The Parks and Recreation staff continued to work from home and, like the rest of society learned how to meet virtually. On-screen time was spent with co-workers, colleagues and government leaders discussing ways they could adjust and continue to offer programs and activities while our residents were hunkering down at home. As a result, the resourceful and creative team developed a Parks and Recreation Daily Planner full of travel and virtual tours, crafts and DIY projects, coloring pages, scavenger hunts and family themed photos. Conversation continued with instructors, who at first volunteered their time, to offer exercise programs to help keep our participants on schedule with their personal fitness goals. As time went on the State of Pennsylvania was under a three-phase plan, which directed when and how the local areas would reopen. Our stay at home or “red phase” became longer than the anticipated two weeks, and the virtual classes later expanded to include not only fitness and exercise but art, karate, chess, coding, cooking, SAT prep and more. Family trivia nights took the place of the in-person special events.
It was not until June 5^th when Bucks County entered the “yellow phase,” that relief was in site. Despite the obvious stress, the team continued to organize virtual programs, focus on bringing participants back to class, while at the same time coordinated the summer camps and swim club. Parks were back open and usage was higher than ever; proving that parks are essential to our community. 

Park usage and activities increased during Covid

The statistics provided through a survey conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) come as no surprise – 83% of adults find exercising at local parks, trails and open spaces essential to maintaining their mental and physical health during the COVID -19 pandemic. 59% of respondents say it is very or extremely essential to exercise in parks and green spaces to relieve stress and remain healthy during this crisis. Anyone who has visited or lives near any of our parks can attest to the drastically increased use this past year! Amenities such as basketball courts, playgrounds and public rest rooms closed for a short time in March 2020 to discourage large gatherings. Northampton Township parks and trails remained open to ensure our residents had a safe place to sustain their physical and mental health throughout the pandemic. In particular, the Municipal Park located at Hatboro and Bristol Roads in Churchville provided a perfect sanctuary for many.
As governmental restrictions lifted, outdoor group activities returned ever so slowly and under stringent guidelines. Sports groups and tournaments returned with protocols in place:  limiting spectators, extending periods between games, and of course, masks and social distancing. Our parks saw an increase of family picnics, graduation and birthday parties, book club meetings, scout group gatherings and even some non-traditional users were granted permits to pursue their star-gazing, geo-caching and metal detecting hobbies! Unfortunately, the Township sponsored special events were cancelled due to the large crowds that they attract.
Not to be defeated by the cancellations and restrictions on gatherings and indoor use, the staff envisioned the Municipal Park as the hub for recreational programming during the pandemic. Once again, the creativity of the team surpassed expectations as a variety of themed walks and challenges were planned. Some were games, some to lift one’s spirits, others to make one think and explore, a few even had chances to win a prize. Some of the favorite activities included: Chalk the Walk, Bike Scavenger Hunt, Park Puzzles, and Poker Challenge, Unlock the Box, Pet Parade, Graduation Photo Frames and a Positive Word Challenge. Friday evenings in September, a portable miniature golf course was set up at the park for families and friends to get together while being outside and social distancing for some much needed fun! And what a huge success it was – it’s already scheduled to return this year – Covid or no Covid!!

2020 - the year we gave families back their summer

The Township, along with the rest of Bucks County, moved to the “green phase” late in June, just in time to salvage the summer. This news was a relief to the parks and recreation staff who persevered and had devised alternative summer camp and swim programs. With restrictions and protocols needed to be accepted by the County prior to operation, Parks and Recreation was able to offer an array of summer camp programs which included a Camp2U Kit, Camp in the Park, the traditional Day Camp and some specialty in-person and virtual week long specialty camps.

Back in March, over 525 children were already registered in the Township’s signature camps. When COVID-19 hit, a number of families withdrew their children for one reason or another. However, the Township continued to receive appeals for a camp program. Many townships had made the difficult decision not to offer camp due to the pandemic. Many offered a program only having to cancel since enrollment was not met. Although participation was not as high as previous years when camp enrollment is near or exceeds 600 campers, Northampton Township was determined to offer camp for those who needed it.

Week long camps that could be held virtually or in-person, where social distancing could be achieved, were scheduled. Camps like golf, tennis and archery were the most popular. In fact, over 100 children participated in summer tennis camp over the course of 7 weeks; a record high. 
 
For those who decided that an in-person camp was not for them, the newly created Camp2U kit was ideal. A bag sponsored by the Bucks County Recreation Council and supplemented by a small fee, was filled with crafts, puzzles and activities that could be done at home. Participants could sign up for one week, or all six weeks. Over 50 children benefitted from this alternative to in-person camp.  

Having a facility as grand as the Municipal Park enabled a limited number of children to participate in “Camp in the Park.” Due to the uncertain use of indoor facilities and the fact that outside programming proved to be safer, this camp was created to take the place of the Township’s signature camps that traditionally are scheduled in the Council Rock Schools. The camp was held in two-three week sessions, Tuesday thru Thursday, outdoors (weather permitting) with an inclement weather make-up days reserved for Mondays or Fridays. Typically, it is rain that cancels camp outdoors, but this summer, it was more the heat than the wet weather that worried the team. Tropical storms, heat waves and wearing masks could not, however, stop the fun! 
The Day Camp program held at the Recreation Center was also modified to comply with CDC, state and local recommendations, as well as guidance from the American Camping Association. Due to restrictions and protocols put in place, a number of changes were made. The children were able to play games, complete crafts, make new friends, and feel like summer was a bit normal even though campers and staff wore masks while inside and outside all summer long and the facilities were disinfected a number of times a day. With the cooperation among camp and pool staff, campers were able to enjoy use of the Northampton Valley Swim Club. There too, protocols were put in place.  Camp “houses” were not permitted to intermingle and when not swimming, masks still needed to be worn. But that didn’t stop the children from loving camp and the pool. As one parent said, “Thank you for giving my daughter back her summer!”
 
What’s summer without a pool?

Even after 20 years of managing the Northampton Valley Swim Club, nothing had prepared the Parks and Recreation swim club staff for dealing with a pandemic. One can only imagine what was needed in 2020 to accommodate the limited membership and the campers. With the late start, the cancellation of the swim team, the required increased chlorine levels, member household areas needing to be defined and hourly cleaning and sanitizing; would we even be able to open? Again, the determination and dedication by the Township staff, including the Public Works and Parks Maintenance Crew, who assisted in facility renovations and set-up, made the impossible, possible. In spite of the coronavirus, the summer was redeemed and those who visited the pool were impressed and felt safe. As one member stated, “You guys brought sanity and happiness to all the members this summer. We cannot express our appreciation enough!”

Faced with a conundrum

By the end of the summer, the entire Parks and Recreation staff, including camp counselors and lifeguards, were able to breathe a sigh of relief. They must have done everything right.  Lots of accolades were received for providing a safe and fun summer for the kids and peace of mind for parents. With only two virus scares and no positive cases it was proven that the protocols, when taken seriously, worked. The team adapted in the face of adversity and persevered. Now a decision was needed regarding whether or not to offer fall in-person recreation programs.
Could the preschool program, which has operated for 30 years continue, or would it be another catastrophe of the pandemic? Will the Recreation Center ever return to its full menu of programs? What do we do in the meantime? These were just a few questions posed.
During the “green phase” of the Governor’s re-entry plan, a few fitness classes were conducted at the James E. Kinney Senior Center and outside at the park. Sadly, the Senior Center was not able to reopen and resume their normal schedule. But fortunately for Parks and Recreation, the fitness programs that typically take place during daytime hours at the Rec Center were able to take place at the Senior Center. Those classes would continue there until it was established that it was safe for the seniors to return to the center. A conclusion was reached: when it is deemed safe enough for the Senior Center to resume its operations, it will be safe enough to allow concurrent programs back in the Recreation Center.

Until such time, it was decided that the Preschool Program would be the only program that would operate in the Recreation Center during the morning hours. Due to CDC, state and local recommendations, enrollment was reduced and protocols put in place for all programs that would return to the public facility. Other classes slowly returned at the pleasure of the residents. Lower maximum and higher minimum enrollments were put in place to comply with recommendations and extra costs associated with dealing with the pandemic.

Programs held outdoors continued outdoors until the cold set in. New programs such as goat yoga and archery engaged a record number of participants. Tennis, locally and nationally, has seen a re-birth. And adult hockey moved their play to the outdoor rink at the Municipal Park.

Other in-person classes were slowly introduced back to the Recreation Center. Some classes such as dance and karate were offered in person with a virtual link so parents who were not able to enter the Center due to protocols were able to watch the program from the vehicle. A virtual link was also available for at-home participation. Archery, basketball instruction, dance, exercise and even volleyball returned with the conditions being that temperatures were taken, masks worn and social distancing maintained when possible. Even with these practices enforced, people were excited and grateful to have the opportunity to participate. They were appreciative that the Parks and Recreation Staff found ways to present the programs during the ever-changing pandemic.

Community special events re-imagined

When COVID-19 lingered, the staff was faced with the realization that the special events already scheduled for the spring and summer would need to be cancelled. The Bunny Hunt, the Health and Wellness Festival, the Kids Yoga Festival and even the long-standing Sounds of Summer Series, would be lost due to the restrictions placed on large gatherings. The decision to halt all events was a difficult one, but totally necessary. The decision and fluidity of the pandemic did not stop the creative staff from forging ahead with plans to reinvent popular events and create new ones.
Nothing can stop Halloween from happening in Northampton; not even a pandemic. The Halloween event, which has been a popular annual event since its inception 44 years ago, would not fall victim to the virus. With some imagination the event was salvaged and planned as usual; only this time at Municipal Park. There was so much to do and see: a costume parade, “scarecrow row” and spectacular trunk displays, all reinvented with safety in mind and protocols in place. In addition to the activities of the day, participants and staff were able to reap the benefits of being outside with picture-perfect weather.

Thanksgiving was also acknowledged with the park paths lined with reminders of the simple things in life to be grateful for. COVID -19 certainly brought new meaning to Thanksgiving!

The December holidays are typically celebrated with a trip to New York City to see the decorations and shows. Of course, that could not happen. But our own “Book and Bedtime” performance with Mrs. Claus could. With the use of technology, and again, creativity, “Book and Bedtime” was revamped. Mrs. Claus was able to visit and read her books virtually. A video was made and packages were sent out to families with the code to view the video, a letter from Santa, reindeer food, crafts and treats for all good boys and girls to enjoy. This re-created event brought joy to many more, as we were able to accommodate more registrations than in prior years.

We all remember the surge in COVID cases in the fall.  Anticipating that the holidays would be different, the Parks and Recreation Staff was determined to spread joy and relieve some of the stress caused by the pandemic. For the first time ever, the Municipal Park was decorated for the December holiday season. The “Trail of Cheer” was made possible with new partners. The Rock United Girl Scout Service unit adorned the mall area with their outdoor vision for all to enjoy. And the Bucks County Women’s Chorus provided pre-recorded caroling stations along the pathways with an opportunity for park visitor to sing along. A holiday tree was displayed for people to add an ornament. Could this perhaps be a new tradition in the making?

Parks and Recreation; an essential service

Findings recently published in the 2020 NRPA Engagement with Parks Report show that a large majority of U.S. adults (82%) believe that parks and recreation is essential. More than 4 out of 5 people agree that parks and recreation is an essential local government service.
Throughout the pandemic, the Northampton Township Parks and Recreation Team has demonstrated the essential value of their work and will continue to do so. The Parks and Recreation Department provides our residents of all ages with resources so they can improve and maintain their physical and mental health, connect with family and friends and reconnect with nature. The team continues to produce and execute quality, wholesome recreation programs and activities. The pandemic actually forced the team to think outside the box and develop new recreational opportunities for all.
Each team member exhibits their courage by not letting the fears of the unknown extinguish the passion to provide recreation services to the community. The challenges of ensuring the safety of the participants and themselves during these uncertain times are being met with knowledge, empathy, and desire. To re-invent programs so that the residents can participate and feel safe while doing all of that is being achieved. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our parks and recreation professionals, the Northampton Township community is fortunate to enjoy the parks and many programs and activities offered during this uncertain and unsettling time in our lives. They persevere and prove their resilience daily.