Guide to a PESTICIDE-FREE PARK

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1 Copyright 2015 Midwest Pesticide Action Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. As part of that goal, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) has developed the Pesticide-Free Parks Program to help park managers move towards the adoption of sustainable turf management practices to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to lessen their impact on the health of people, pets, and the environment. The Pesticide-Free Parks program is designed as an educational tool to inform the community about natural lawn care and highlight the park district or managing entity s commitment to healthful and environmentally responsible gathering spaces for the community. Through a public/private partnership, MPAC launched the first pesticide-free park program with the City of Evanston in 2015 with the designation of five parks as pesticide-free. MPAC created posters and other information materials distributed throughout Evanston s parks to promote the program. In addition, MPAC drafted a press release that was picked up by over 18 media outlets, providing the program with exposure and positive feedback. Our hope is to grow the Pesticide-Free Parks program across the Midwest. Why create a pesticide-free park in your community? Common pesticides used to manage lawns, such as glyphosate (Round-Up), 2,4D and many of the products we know as "weed and feed have been shown to negatively impact the health of pets and children. As awareness grows around these issues, many residents have stopped using these toxic chemicals on their lawns and have found safer alternatives. However, homeowners and other community members are also concerned about exposing their families to these chemicals when using public spaces such as parks. Adopting the Pesticide-Free Parks program in at least one park provides a safe and healthy space for everyone to enjoy. Park managers also have a responsibility to address the concerns in the community related to protecting water quality, encourage beneficial insects, and reduce the overall negative impacts of activities on the environment. Adopting the Pesticide-Free Park program in one or more parks helps park managers communicate that commitment in a highly visible way. A Pesticide-Free Park is a local gathering spot where families can play on the grass freely without concern for exposure to toxic chemicals that may impact their health. A Pesticide-Free Park is a community asset. Together we can create a sustainably managed, safe and healthy park for everyone. 1

2 What exactly is a Pesticide-Free Park? We define a pesticide-free park as one that is maintained under the principals of natural lawn care. Natural lawn care uses a combination of sustainable practices and natural products to promote an optimal relationship between plants and soil, making lawns naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. For more information about natural lawn care practices, consult our Midwest Grows Green Guide. Components of a MWGG Pesticide-Free Park 1) A park that will be maintained without the use of synthetic pesticides for at least one year in one of two ways: a. using community resources to train park district staff or other personnel and purchase products for natural lawn care maintenance, or b. through potential collaboration with a local landscaping company, such as Greenwise Lawn Care and Landscaping, that will donate organic lawn care technical assistance and services to park maintenance (not including cost of materials, such as organic fertilizers) 2) Long-term signage to let the community know that the park is being managed without the use of harmful chemicals that could compromise the health of their children and the natural environment. 3) A press release that will be covered by local media outlets, such as ne wspapers and online journals, to draw community attention to the initiative.

3 Sample Promotional Materials Spreading the word about your pesticide-free park can raise awareness in your community and inspire homeowners to go pesticidefree on their own lawns, multiplying the positive effects on health and the environment. 3

4 Long Term Signage MPAC will aid you in developing a message that will explain your pesticide-free park to community members and highlight your commitment to health and the environment. Permanent signage will help your park act as an educational tool to raise awareness of pesticide-related issues. Tips for Planning Your Sign (Adapted from Vackersign) 1. Express your message visually. Photos, illustrations, graphics and symbols are more effective than words. Strive for a high Reward / Effort ratio reward your visitor with information for minimal effort. 2. Consider the rule. Provide something to be gained by visitors who are willing to spend 3 seconds, 30 seconds, and 3 minutes of their time on a panel. An effective title and central image communicate something in 3 seconds. Subtitles and side bars can provide additional information in 30 seconds. Paragraphs and additional photos / illustrations can add further detail in 3 minutes. 3. Keep your message concise and easy to read. Limit text to 250 words or less. Studies suggest that few people are willing to read beyond 250 words on an interpretive panel. 4. Determine an appropriate panel size. Common standard sized interpretive panels for angle mount are 18 x24 and 24 x36, while larger panels (3 x4 and 4 x4 ) are typically mounted upright. The size of a sign panel is typically determined by the amount of content to be communicated, and the distance from which the panel will be viewed. In an angle mounted interpretive panel, body text is typically placed at a minimum of 24 point, with captions placed at a minimum of 18 point. 5. Engage visitors by posing questions and using words like you, your, we, ours and us. Using quotations can also help personalize a message. Eiden Park in Evanston, Illinois 4

5 Cost Estimates for Long-term Signage 1. Angle Mount Frame and Post with Plate There are many options for creating long-term signage for your pesticide-free park that will fit your community's needs and budget. The following are some examples and estimates of cost. MPAC can coordinate the development and graphic design of signage with municipal or park district partners. 2. Upright Signage with Client Provided Post This option is for an educational sign panel with frame and post. All components of the sign are provided. Cost estimate: $426 plus shipping/handling. 3. Custom Signage from Vendor of Park's Choosing This option allows park managers to provide their own post and purchase the other sign components. Many public works departments and municipalities have their own posts, and shipping a post would be more expensive than sourcing one locally. The cost includes the purchase of two panels and a tri-fold brochure holder and does not include the cost of the post. Cost estimate: $255 plus shipping/ handling. Since many park districts and municipalities have a previous relationship with a particular vendor, MPAC can collaborate with a vendor of the park management's choosing to create a custom pesticide-free park sign. Price Quotes provided by Vacker Inc., vendor to the National Park Service and a leading provider of comprehensive park system signage. Founded by a 20-year park professional, this company understands the unique budget, durability, and maintenance challenges in the park and trail industry. Tuff panel product was recommended for this project for its weatherability, including UV inhibitors, durability in terms of potential vandalism or tagging (tolerance to harsh cleaners), lower cost, and quicker time to produce. For more information, visit Vackersign.com. (Disclaimer: MPAC recieves no monetary consideration from Vacker Inc.) 5