Thursday, August 11, 2011

Adrian MML Award Application Haunted Barn Dan Rodgerson

Capsule Summary
Until 1996, many of the recreational programs and facilities offered by the City of Adrian were not available to every child in the community. Children who could not afford program fees were not able to reap the benefits of community recreation.

Through a combined effort from several area organizations and volunteers, not only was a recreational scholarship developed, but a system was established to assure that revenue was available for years to come.

The City of Adrian joined with organizations such as the United Way, The Lenawee Intermediate School District and several area service clubs and businesses to raise over $9,000 to assure that needy youth would have the opportunity to participate in community recreation.

Narrative Summary
Thousands of people take advantage of City recreation and enrichment programs each month. There remains, nevertheless, a group of children who do not take advantage of our programs, not due to a lack of time, or interest. These children have not learned how to swim, ice skate, nor have they played on an organized sports team because they simply cannot afford it. Although the programs sponsored by the city are highly subsidized, they are not available to ALL children in the county.

Recreation has a price, and Community Services is doing all that it can to absorb that price. We cannot and do not do it alone. Although we currently receive assistance from several local sponsors and service clubs, it is not enough to ensure that city recreational programs are accessible to ALL of the children in the community. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to play, learn, and recreate.

Several times each week children contact our office excited about a program that they have heard about in school or through a friend. There is always an uncomfortable pause after we tell the child that the program has a price, and it is obvious that his or her family cannot afford it.
Participation in youth sports and other recreational activities has an infinite number of benefits to the children and to the community. Participation in youth sports can help channel the energy of youth at risk and spark an interest in a constructive activity. Our programs help children discover and develop their talents which will then be an asset to them as well as to the community.

Addressing the Need
In an attempt to make our programs and facilities available to all children, we needed to establish a program to address the need. Not only did we desire to secure funds to help children this year, but we also wanted to initiate a program to assure that funds will be available on a yearly basis. The project gained a fruitful start through a grant award from the local United Way. This grant had a twofold effect on the program. First, the allotted revenue allowed us to immediately establish a scholarship fund and help needy children the first year. The second part was to use the money as an "investment" in a project that would raise funds for years to come.
A large 350 acre historical park became the setting for the first annual Haunted Barn and Hayride. Our department decided to create a scary atmosphere through the element of surprise rather than gore. The Haunted Barn was carefully organized and orchestrated with the intent to attract families.

The goal of attracting members of the community was reached, by serving over 2600 visitors over the past two seasons. Unlike other haunted houses, where participants stand in line for hours and are finished in 10 minutes we attempted to promote an "evening" of activities. Participants visited the attraction, took a 30 minute hayride, and sat by the fire listening to scary stories. A refreshment stand was also available offering seasonal snacks.
A contingency of over 100 volunteers came together and spent hundreds of hours in the planning, designing, marketing, and implementing of the attraction. With the initial grant from the United Way and the help of so many volunteer hours, the Haunted Barn and Hay Ride of Heritage Park has become a favorite seasonal program.

After the funds were raised from the special event, an additional grant was submitted to the Wal-Mart Foundation. We received two different grants from the Wal-Mart organization. First, a grant was awarded from the Wal-Mart Foundation, which matched the revenue raised from admissions. The second grant was a special "in-house" program which involved employee participation. In short, the local store's contribution was reflected in the number of volunteer hours dedicated to the project.

After receiving the grant from the United Way, the revenue from the Haunted Barn and the matching grant from Wal-Mart, we had over $9,000.00 to establish the All Kids Included Scholarship Fund. After careful consideration we chose the Lenawee Intermediate School District to send referrals to our office in regard to prospective candidates.

The current process to apply for a recreational grant is rather simple. The prospective recipient will fill out a quick and simple questionnaire distributed through the Adrian Public School District. If the applicant meets criteria established by the LISD and the City of Adrian, they will receive a referral with a value of $25.00 toward any of our programs. Applicants have the opportunity to apply for scholarships three times a year. For example, a child can take swimming lessons in the summer, karate lessons in the fall and ice skating lessons in the winter.
1) How clearly are the program's goals stated?
The All Kids Included Scholarship Fund is a goal oriented program by design. Prior to beginning the project, the following goals were outlined:

1. To establish a fund designed to offer recreation scholarships to disadvantaged children in Lenawee County.

2. To have economically disadvantaged children participate in quality recreation programming.

3. To acquire funds to both initiate and continue the program for years to come.

4. Solicit the assistance from several volunteer agencies to help in the revenue producing program.

5. Search for and select an organization to refer prospective scholarship candidates to our office.

2) To what degree has the program shown measurable results in line with established goals?

Goal 1 To establish a fund designed to offer recreation scholarships to disadvantaged children in Lenawee County

After assessing the need for a scholarship program, we researched a variety of funding options. Initially, we filed a grant application and met with the United Way in an attempt to receive funds for the project. We then researched and studied other scholarship programs offered by other organizations and reviewed their policies and procedures.

Goal 2 To have economically disadvantaged children participate in quality recreation programming.

While working with the LISD, we cautiously advertised the program by meeting with school Principals and Counselors. We created a flyer detailing information in regard to fund policies and procedures. We also contacted the local newspaper to gain media attention regarding the availability of these scholarships.

Goal 3. To acquire funds to both initiate and continue the program for years to come.
Initial funds were contributed through a grant from the local United Way. We then pursued the idea of a revenue generating special event during the month of October. The Haunted Barn and Hayride of Heritage Park was then selected as the core fund raising event. Long hours were spent researching procedures for the safe and successful operation of such an event. The continued support from our group cf volunteers and from the local Wal-Mart store have enabled our department to assure that this program will remain available for years to come.

Goal 4. Solicit the assistance from several volunteer agencies to help in the revenue producing program.

At the onset of the project, it became clear that we could not do it alone. We scheduled appointments with several area businesses and clubs to solicit their volunteer support. While working with the United Way, we received a volunteer list and direct mailed a volunteer call to each of the volunteers seeking their support. We also used local media outlets to gain interested volunteers for the event.

Goal 5. Search for and select an organization to refer prospective scholarship candidates to our office.

We made appointments with local service organizations including Catholic Social Services, Associated Charities, Red Cross, Community Action Agency, Family Independence Agency and the Adrian Public School District to determine the best orgainzation to assist our project. We assessed the advantages and disadvantages of each organization and felt that coordination with the Adrian Public Schools would best fit our needs.

3) To what degree has the program met its goals?
1. A scholarship program has been established to offer recreational scholarships to disadvantaged children in Lenawee County. A system has been organized and established to refer prospective candidates to our office.

2. Since the fund was established, several area children have taken advantage of the program. Although we have met the goal of children utilizing our service, we are now attempting to ease our requirements to attract even more children. The Spring season is already upon us and we are poised to reach as many children as possible.

3. Through the generosity of the United Way and the local Wal-Mart store, we have acquired funds to both initiate and continue the program for years to come. The Haunted Barn and Hayride will continue to act as the fundamental revenue source.

4. We have successfully solicited the assistance from several volunteer agencies. Our volunteer core is close to 100 strong and growing. We offer a truly unique opportunity which our volunteers are attracted to.

5. We have selected Adrian Public Schools Office of State and Federal Programs as the host organization to determine eligibility for the program. Their help has proven invaluable in assisting the program to meet its goals.
4) To what extent does the program involve cooperation among the local government, citizens organizations and/ or businesses?
In one way or another, many of the programs offered by the City of Adrian are supported by volunteers, volunteer agencies, and social service agencies. The Community Services Department has a healthy relationship with local merchants, service clubs, and volunteer agencies. The Haunted Barn at Heritage Park was made possible by a joint effort between several groups and businesses. These relationships include:

1. The relationship with the school district to refer eligible candidates to our office.

2. The relationship with the United Way office and their assistance with both grant money and volunteer information.

3. The relationship with the local Wal-Mart store and the Wal-Mart Foundation.

4. Volunteer cooperation was also solicited from many other civic groups and local businesses. These groups include school sports clubs, church groups, Boy Scouts, Upward Bound Students and college fraternities and sororities.

5) To what extent are citizens active participants?

As volunteers As stated earlier, over 40 volunteers were used each evening during the actual course of the event. Countless hours were also dedicated in other phases of the project.
As program participants 2600 program participants passes through the doors at a minimal fee to enjoy the family oriented program.

As scholarship recipients The most important of these active participants are the youth who are benefiting from the program. Considering that we are offering scholarships of $25.00, we are currently in a position to help 360 youths.

6) To what extent does the program provide a new community service?

The All Kids Included Scholarship does provide a new community service. Although the Community Services Department does sponsor several free programs to local citizens, the majority of the programs have a cost. We are proud to be in a position that we can offer high quality programs to area children.

7) How effectively was the community involved in planning the project?

The All kids Included scholarship fund is a project by the people for the people. Long before the project began, we conducted several planning meetings and established sub-committees for the fund raising project. A formal call was announced in the local newspaper asking for organizations and individuals to assist with the project. This committee met weekly for 2 months and biweekly during the month prior to the event.

We "empowered" the local organizations to create and build their own scenes. Rather than delegate routine tasks to our volunteers, we used their expertise and assistance in the overall operation of the project.

8) To what degree has the program been actively and effectively promoted and publicized? While advertising for both The Haunted Barn and the Scholarship fund, we used several methods to reach our target audience including:

Print Press releases were sent to the local community, high school and college newspapers. A flyer detailing information about the event was inserted with city water bills to over 6,400 homes in the City of Adrian. An additional 3,000 flyers were distributed to local stores and schools. 50 posters were also displayed in various locations around the City.

Radio A local radio station agreed to sponsor the project by matching the number of radio ads purchased. In total, 120 thirty second radio advertisements were presented in reference to the event and the scholarship fund. The local station also coordinated a live radio remote on our opening night, complete with interviews with the ghouls.

Television The City of Adrian has access to a local cable channel which displays information regarding city functions and business. For three weeks prior to the event, advertisements were displayed every hour.

Special displays An elaborate display was created at the Adrian Mall for three days during The Community Days Festival. At this event we distributed over 400 flyers and spoke to several citizens about the scholarship program and the Haunted Barn. A second display was created at the Lenawee County Heritage Festival which reached over 600 potential customers.
9) How satisfied is the community with the results?

Since the establishment of the fund we have recieved countless praises and sincere "thank yous" from a variety of sources. Many of these comments came from single parents who could not afford to offer these programs to their children. Most importantly are the comments from the children who finally have the opportunity to participate in quality programming. Volunteers who assisted with the effort have also received positive remarks and encouraging comments.

10) To what extent will the program provide an ongoing benefit?

As outlined in our proposal, the revenue from the Haunted Barn at Heritage Park is used to replenish the scholarship in the future. Not only were funds raised for needy youth, but through strategic planning, we have developed a system to ensure that funds will be available for years to come. The unique benefit of this program is that we have one quality program supporting another. The bottom line is that year after year, children can and will acquire skills and interests that they otherwise would not have been able to develop.

11) How effectively are volunteers used in different phases of the project?
The entire process was designed as a volunteer based project. From the very beginning, volunteers were involved in every aspect of the event. From the first "brainstorming" meetings to the project completion, literally hundreds of volunteer hours were donated.
During our fund raising event, we searched for a core volunteer group to spearhead the project and work closely with our office. The group willing to assist in all aspects of the project, were the employees from the Wal-Mart store. Their help, along with a dozen other groups, enabled us to accomplish the event from start to finish.

Some of our key volunteer groups include: The Wal-Mart Employees, Adrian College fraternities, youth church groups, Adrian Training School students, Boy Scout troops, and Upward Bound students. The All Kids Included Scholarship Fund has been a tool to bring together volunteers for a fun and worthwhile cause for the benefit of disadvantaged children in Lenawee County.

12) To what extent does the program improve the quality of life for citizens?
The All kids Included scholarship program offerers new skills and interests to needy youth through the benefits of recreation. The benefits of recreation programs for children are endless. In programs such as swimming or karate, the children learn skills that can actually save their lives. They learn to work hard, develop self confidence, strength, and self-esteem. In team sports such as Roller-Hockey or Swim Team, the children learn cooperation, good sportsmanship, dedication, and communication.

In our outdoor recreation programs, the children have the opportunity to experience a classroom like none other. They attend nature's classroom and learn about ecology, recycling, environmental concerns, how to fish, predict the weather, and all about plants and animals. In our numerous special events such as our Daddy Daughter Dance and the Moms and Sons Night Out, the children learn a sense of family and develop or enhance relationships with parents, mentors, or close family friends.

18) To what degree is the program innovative?
As we researched departmental program needs, we discovered two deficiencies. First, we felt we needed a special event during the month of October. The second need was the establishment of a program to help children who could not afford our programs and services. We met both of these needs with one innovative approach.

We could not have provided this level of service alone. Earmarking money from a revenue generating program to fund a subsidized program is not innovative in itself Gaining the support financially and through volunteer efforts from such a wide range of businesses and agencies led to the success of project. Establishing a fun, low cost family oriented special event, while at the same time establishing a fund to help children is truly an asset to the citizens of the community.
22) How effectively can the program be managed/maintained with a minimum of effort/ expense?
Distributing scholarships is a rather simple process. After a few short forms are filled out, prospective recipients are then referred to our office. Many of the difficult tasks have already been accomplished, such as the establishment of the fund and the solicitation of volunteers. Due to the fun and exciting nature of the program, persuading our current volunteer pool to return year to year will not be hard.

Planning, building, and staffing a haunted house can be an overwhelming job, but with the support and assistance from key volunteers this effort can be minimized. Each year, the project will become easier to manage and maintain.

23) How easily can the program be modified for implementation by other communities?
We feel that every child should have the opportunity to play, learn and recreate. With this in mind, we would welcome other communities to establish alternative funding sources for disadvantaged youth. Again, the key to the entire project was the cooperation with local agencies and volunteer groups to come together for a common cause. By pooling the resources from several groups, amazing results can occur.

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10/12/2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

A Hare-Racing Experience Adrian MI Dan Rodgerson






Kayla Bradley, 4 right gets some help from her mother Sue on the backstretch of the course during the Saturdays Heritage Hare Racer even at Heritage Park. The race was sponsored by Adrian Community Services Department and top participants took home trophies and other prizes.












Event organized by Dan Rodgerson and Kelly Monaghan



Dan Rodgerson Website


Taking the Plunge Adrian MI Dan Rodgerson





Photos by John Elbers










Would be divers go head first while they adjust to breathing underwater in preperation for taking a swim by themselves.










People's first reaction when they try this for the first time is "wow" said Dan Rodgerson aquatics Director for the City of Adrian who is in charge of the free scuba class Thursday night at the Springbrook Pool. More than 30 people put on flippers and air tanks to discover the world of underwater diving. divers Mast of Jackson provided the masks, tanks and flippers for the class with the hope of getting people involved in the upcoming scuba course. "I want be an astronaut when I grow up so this is a good experience for me," said Josh Wood 12 of Onsted. Laura Gutierrez of Adrian, right, took the class to prepare for her upcoming vacation to Saint Kitts in the Caribbean. Here, she gets accustomed to the breathing Regulator.

Dan Rodgerson Recreation articles



Rodgerson Resume

City Rec Helping Needy Children Adrian MI Dan Rodgerson

Scholarships will pay for participation

by Roger Ferguson
Daily Telegram Staff writer

Adrian- A lack of money should no longer hinder children from participating in the city's recreational programs. The Community Services Department hopes to begin offering All Kids Included Youth Recreation Scholarships to needy children beginning in April. Recreation Supervisor Daniel Rodgerson said Thursday. The scholarships, which can reach up to $25 per child for each of the departments three seasons will be available for all of the city's nearly two dozen programs. Of those programs, only three-swim team, lifeguard class and adventure club will not be funded by the scholarship. In those cases, the scholarship would be used to defer the cost with parents picking up the remaining tab.

The Lenawee united way and volunteer center kicked in the forst $1950 to begin the scholarships in June of 1996. Half of that money purchased items for the citys haunted hourse and the other half went into an account for scholarships.

"The haunted house is basically what is going to power the scholarship fund or at least replenish it" Rodgerson said.

After the initial investment of about $1000, the haunted house raised $1300 for the fund and is expected to raise more in the future. Wal-Mart also donated $3,000 to the fund and the proceeds from the Trestle Festival have been used to boost it as well.

The scholarships will be available to all Lenawee County Children 17 and younger who can demonstrate finnancial need. Adrain school department of federal programs will decide whom recieves the grants Rodgerson said.

Community services officials said thousands of people take advantage of the citys programs on a monthly basis and the scholarship should increase those numbers while opening new opportunities for needy Children. Some of the departments offerings include, swimming classes, karate, oragmi, summer playgrounds, tennis, roller hockey and outdoor education.

According to a community services grant application the departments hopes to give away 80 scholarships a year at the cost of $1440 a year. the average cost of a program is $18


MML Award for project

Dan Rodgerson Favorite Quotes

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Dan Rodgerson--Fridged Weather allows Ice rink to open

Frigid weather allows ice rink to open




Skating season is in full swing




By MATT CROSSMAN




Daily Telegram Staff Writer




ADRIAN--Unseasonably warm weather delayed last week's planned opening of the Adrian Ice Rink.




No such problem came up Thursday--not even close.




The air was more than cold enough, with the high temperature just reaching the teens.




The frigid cold did not keep patrons from away from the ice rink, located next to Bohn Pool on Adrian's West Side.




More than two dozen were ready to hit the ice minutes after the rink officially opened at 4 p.m. They engaged in two separate games of pick-up hockey, which will be a frequent occurrence at the rink this year, said Dan Rodgerson of the city's recreation department.




Dan Rodgerson put in a few scheduling changes this year. He dropped the Wednesday open skate in favor of renting out the rink. It's already booked through January.




"We didn't have any time for rental group, like churches or scouts or anything else," Dan Rodgerson said. Dan Rodgerson also tinkered with the hockey schedules to try to even out the competition.




"Though roller hockey we found strong differences between the ability of players," Dan Rodgerson said. "So we opened up Tuesday night for adult hockey novice.




"We expect that to be a lot of fun."




Dan Rodgerson is turning a little more attention to hockey in the wake of the city's successful first year of roller hockey. Leagues this summer saw large participation, and Dan Rodgerson expects the roller hockey interest to translate into ice hockey interest to translate into ice hockey interest.




No lice hockey leagues exist because of the instability of having an outside rink. Game times would too often be at the mercy of Mother Nature. The ice holds solid to about 40 degrees as long as there is no sun. But if the sun comes out, the ice can weaken at 35 degrees, Dan Rodgerson said.




The rink offers all equipment novices may need to borrow.


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10/12/2011

Rolling Along adrian Recreation Dan Rodgerson





Rolling Along
City Rec sees increases numbers with addition of adult league
ADRIAN—The second session of Adrian City Rec roller hockey played on the rink at Bohn Pool has set a record for numbers of players participating.
OK. So it’s not only the second session the city has ever had, but the numbers are impressive nonetheless.
When about 120 youngsters signed up to play in the first session, which began in April, league coordinator Dan Rodgerson was overwhelmed.
Dan Rodgerson figured that 50 or 60 players would mark a successful venture for the sport’s initial league in Lenawee County.
But while 120 participants was impressive, the number grew to more than 180 when the second session began in July, thanks in part to the addition of an adult league.

“It’s going to be really good,” Dan Rodgerson said. “All the younger leagues are going smooth. The problems are in the adult leagues.”

But those problems aren’t impossible to overcome, according to Dan Rodgerson. The biggest obstacle has been that adults tend to play a bit rougher than their younger counterparts. But Dan Rodgerson says only a few players are to blame.

“If we can weed those out, I think it’ll be a lot better,” Dan Rodgerson said.
For the most part, the league has run smoothly. The interest level has been so high that Dan Rodgerson and the city considered adding a third session for this fall.
But that same high interest level is also the main reason those plans have been put on ice. The high traffic the league has brought to the rink has caused a large amount of wear and tear to the facility.

“We’ve got to get the boards ready for the ice season,” Dan Rodgerson said.
The youth and adult leagues draw players from all over Lenawee County, as well as some from surrounding areas, including Ohio.

Play It Again Sports is sponsoring the program by helping to purchase the necessary equipment, and over the past few months the Community Services Department has spent nearly $2,500 on hockey protective equipment. That way, players who lack some of the equipment can still participate.

“We feel that this is one of the successes of the program,” Dan Rodgerson said. “Players don’t need to refinance their homes to play hockey.”



Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Novice Hockey a hit at Adrian Ice Rink - Daniel Rodgerson










Novice Hockey a hit at Adrian Ice rink

Adrian- The city of Adrian Community Services is looking forward to summer activities at the Adrian Ice Rink, but there still is a little time to enjoy the winter activities. One of the most successful ventures at the ice rink this winter has been the adult hockey novice night. More than 30 skaters showed up for the first night and interest was so high that a second night was eventually added.

"We found that during the roller hockey sessions, there are two different levels of ability; those who have played for many years and those who have recently picked up the sport" said Rink Manager Dan Rodgerson.

Novice night was added so those not experienced in the sport would have a time to play and polish their skills with other players at their level. The other hurdle novice players face is the expense involved. Community Services tried to help players overcome that problem as well. The rink, in cooperation with Play it Again Sports, provides free loaner equipment. Full padding is reccommended bu the only required equipment is a helmet with a full cage. All are available at the rink free of charge.

While warm spell have wreaked havoc on the ice over the past two months, Rodgerson said the city plans to reopen the rink soon and hopes to get at least another two weeks of play in. While the ice hockey season has been split into two levels, Rodgerson said there are no plans to do the same thing with roller hockey. "I would like to, we don't have the numbers"

Rodgerson said that there will be several changes for this years roller hockey leagues at the rink. registration deadline for the first session is March 28th and the cost is $25. Players can sign up until April 11th but will be charged a extra $5 after the initial deadline. Games begin April 21st. For more information, contact Rodgerson at 263-2161 ext 272.

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Meijer Donates Skates to Adrian Ice Rink - Dan Rodgerson




The Daily Telegram
Adrian, MI
Feburary 17th 1996

February is Free Skate month at the Adrain Ice Rink. For three years now, local businesses and service clubs sponsor open skating sessions so that people in the community can skate for free. In addition to the free skate sessions, another successful program has generated sponsors to purchase rental skates for the rink. Meijers, Inc, recently purchased 10 pair of rental skates for the Rink. Other skates were donated by Key Bank, Coin-op vending, The Adrian Lions Club and the Peak. Shown are Dayton Latty, left General manager of the Adrain Meijer, Dick Holmes, City of Adrian Recreation Director and Dan Rodgerson, Ice Rink Manager with some of the 14 pair of skates recently donated.



Adventure Forum

AIR teams compete in Great Lakes Games Dan Rodgerson












AIR teams compete in Great Lakes Games


LANSING—A pair of Adrian ice Rink “Coach’s Pick” roller hockey teams competed over the weekend in the Great lakes State Games, with the 13- and 14- year old team taking second in the house division.
The team of 11- and 12- year olds were eliminated Saturday after taking on three traveling teams. The older squad was seeded first after Saturday’s then finished second Sunday after losing in the title game.
Coaches selected the players from some of the 27 teams that play at the AIR bases on ability, attitude and commitment.
The tourney marked the first time AIR hockey has branched out and played against other teams from other communities.
“Considering that both of our teams have never played together as a team, both age groups did a fabulous job,” AIR league director Dan Rodgerson said.
Many parents interest in forming an all-star team and perhaps even a traveling team to represent Adrian. These teams would play against leagues that already exist in Toledo, Ann arbor, Detroit and Lansing.
“As our program continues to grow we would like to make necessary changes to provide different experienced for our players,” Dan Rodgerson said. “Our program has more than doubled in size in the past year and we anticipate even more growth.”

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Racing to the Rink Adrian MI Dan Rodgerson











Racing to the Rink
More than 100 youths join roller hockey league in its first year
By DAN DALY
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
ADRIAN—Dan Rodgerson thought there might be some community interest in a spring roller hockey program.
“Roller blading is at the peak of its popularity right now,” said Dan Rodgerson, who works with youth sports programs at Adrian’s Community Services Department. “We thought we would try to capitalize on the trend.”
Mission accomplished. In its first attempt to field a roller hockey league, the city registered 118 kids. Kids from as far away as Brooklyn and Manchester signed up for league play. The first games were played Thursday night.
“We structured this to mirror the program in Saline. They only have about 30 or 40 kids,” Dan Rodgerson said. “We have anticipated 50 or 60 because we figured we were competing with baseball and soccer.”

The city was thrilled to see the community response that ensued. But there was also a sizable amount of concern.

First, a concern about liability, although Adrian has an excellent safety record at its ice rink at Bohn Pool. The problem of liability was solved with assistance from city attorney Dane Nelson.
“We were totally scared because of liability,” Dan Rodgerson said. “As opposed to ice, when you fall on cement, you don’t slide.”

Once the city was properly protected in that area, the next concern was making sure the kids who play the sport were properly protected—which is to say properly equipped.

“One if the problems we were having were kids showing up for practices in biking helmets,” Dan Rodgerson said. “From the revenue we got from registration, we went out and spent about $1,000 on equipment, including four new hockey helmets.”

Players are required to wear hockey helmets with faceguards, which cost in the area of $100, according to Dan Rodgerson. The purchase of helmets, pads and goalie gloves will allow the city to provide equipment for kids who don’t already have it, but still want to play roller hockey.
Registration costs for the roller hockey were 30 per player.

The final concern was that there were a lot more players than coaches. Dan Rodgerson himself has taken on coaching responsibilities to help solve that problem.
“A lot of people think they don’t know a thing about roller hockey, so they’re afraid to go out there,” Dan Rodgerson said. “The rules are different from hockey. There’s no icing, no offsides.
“I think, though, after some parents stand on the sidelines, they’ll say: ‘This is something I’d like to get involved in,’” Dan Rodgerson added.

The primary focus of the league is to help kids focus on the primary skills of hockey—skating, passing and shooting, instead of the physical elements like checking and fighting.
“It’s a brand new league and we’re going to have some growing pains,” Dan Rodgerson said. “But we hope to have everything ironed out for the second session.”
League play for the first session started Thursday and runs through the middle of May. Dan Rodgerson expects the second session to begin early June.

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10/12/2011

City Gives Bohn Pool slide plan green light - Dan Rodgerson














City Gives Bohn Pool slide plan green light




















Attraction expected to open this year
By MATT CROSSMAN
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
ADRIAN—The investigation is done, the city commission approval earned.
The only question remaining is who gets the honorary first trip down Bohn Pool’s new water slide this summer?

“We assume Dan Rodgerson will be the first one down, and the mayor second,” said city commissioner Eric Sullivan.
But city attorney Dane Neilson already had the inaugural slide reserved.
“I told Kelli she could be the first,” He said.
Dan Rodgerson led the charge in persuading city commissioners to buy the $99,176 slide. He began investigating the purchase shortly after joining Adrian’s parks and recreation department as a recreation supervisor in the late summer of 1995.
Monaghan has helped Dan Rodgerson and community services director Mark Gasche develop a master plan to develop Bohn Pool into a “family oriented aquatic center.” The 144-foot long, 20.5-foot high is considered the focus of that effort.



In a proposal to city commissioners in November, Gasche said funding for the slide might have to come through financing.

But by rearranging priorities in his capital budget, Gasche said he can buy the slide using funds from the current budget year and next budget year. City staff felt getting the slide this year was important because it will help generate more revenue through increases fees.
“When we looking into financing there was some obstacles there,” Gasche said. “It wasn’t impossible, but it seemed more feasible to use our own money.”

City commissioner Chuck Chase and Gasche praised Dan Rodgerson for thoroughly investigating the feasibility of the slide, he said.



“I think it will really be a boom for Bohn Pool,” Chase said.






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10/12/2011

The Big Plunge Adrian Waterslide Dan Rodgerson


The Big Plunge
Adrian staff proposes 140-foot water slide for city’s Bohn Pool.


By MATT CROSSMAN
Daily Telegram Staff Writer

ADRIAN—City commissioners took one step up the ladder Monday in moving toward initiating $500,000 in improvements at Bohn Pool.
They gave community services director Mark Gasche the green light to further investigate plans to install a 20-foot high, 140-foot long water slide at the city-run facility.

Plans include improvements to make the facility more family oriented. The daily youth rate would increase from $1.50 to $2.50 to help cover the cost of construction.
Gasche and parks and recreation program director Dan Rodgerson hope to have the slide up and running by spring of 1997, but commissioners aren’t willing yet to commit to that.

They’re still wary of how to pay the $120,000 price tag.
Gasche has set aside $40,000 for the slide and suggested two funding proposals, both of which would require loans. There was also discussion of using general fund dollars.
“It is significant to note that by financing the additional money needed to purchase a large water-slide, our operating deficit would be comparable to making no changes. By installing the water0slide we would have the benefit of this attraction, and, after the slide was paid off, we would see a marked improvement in our financial position,” the proposal for the slide says.
The water slide and other improvements are meant to try to increase usage of the pool which generally runs at 25 percent capacity; Rodgerson told the city commission during their Monday pre-meeting study session.

Rodgerson has been investigating the slide for more than a year. He oversees the operation of the facility, which would require additional staffing with the new slide. He also earned high marks for the successful launching of the city’s inline skating hockey league last year.
The pool typically runs a deficit of about $68,000 annually which the city has swallowed because the pool is considered a good community project.

Accompanying rate hikes for use of the pool would decrease the deficit to about $55,000 per year, Gasche said.



Dan Rodgerson Travel Blog

Dan Rodgerson Resume

10/12/2011

Water Slide decision Tuesday Dan Rodgerson


Water Slide decision Tuesday
By MATT CROSSMAN
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
ADRIAN—City commissioners will decide Tuesday whether more than a year of work by the community services department is all wet.
Parks and rec staffer Dan Rodgerson has been investigating the ins and outs of putting a water slide at Bohn Pool since he was hired in late summer of 1955. Along with community services director Mark Gasche, Daniel Rodgerson pitched the idea to city commissioners in November.

After favorable responsible by commissioners, the inquiry into the slide hit top speed. Five companies submitted bids, which were reviewed Jan. 9. The cheapest to meet specifications was from Whitewater U.S.A of Columbus Ohio. With a price tag of $99,176, that company won Gashce’s recommendation.
The slide is the centerpiece in the community services department’s plan to transform the pool into a “family-oriented aquatic center”. Future plans include renovation of the interior of the building, enlarging the kiddie pool and installing interactive water play equipment.

“The addition of new attractions such as a water slide, shaded grassy areas, and interactive water play equipment will draw new pool users of all ages,” Gasche told commissioners in his request for funding.

The 20-foot high, 144-foot long slide would hasten rate changes at the pool to meet operating expenses.

Danny Rodgerson

Rodgerson Awards and special skills

Adrian Scholarships offered for Adrian recreation programs- Dan Rodgerson



Scholarship application



Readying for Summer - Dan Rodgerson






Ty Koty, From KP construction in Minnesota does some work monday on the new Waterslide being installed at Bohn Pool in Adrian's Riverside park. the grand opening of the 143 foot waterslide is June 14th.




Dan Rodgerson

City of Adrian Wins 15th Annual Municipal Award Dan Rodgerson

The city of Adrian was awarded the 15th Annual Municipal Achievement Award for the All Kids Included Scholarship fund which is designed to help needy children with recreation participation fees. Award given to Dan Rodgerson, Recreation Facilities Manager for the City of Adrian.


Dan Rodgerson

Award application

Favorite Quotes Rodgerson

Waterslide Makes waves at Bohn Pool - Dan Rodgerson


Kristin Allen

Daily Telegram Staff Writer

Adrian- verdict is in- Riverside Park’s Bohn pool boasts the best water slide this side of the Michigan Speedway. “It’s lots better than the slides they have at Cedar point- It’s faster and funner,” vowed 11 year old Rachael Perez of Adrian.

Perez took the first trip down the big blue slide Saturday afternoon during a "slide into summer party" sponsored by Adrian community Services at the park. I heard them yell that the slide was open and I raced to the top perez said. “I’ve been down four times so far and I want to keep going and going. But Perez will have to take a number. Water logged youngsters lined the stairs heading to the week old attraction.

Dan Rodgerson

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Rodgerson Blogs and other articles

10/12/2011