Hiking prep important for locals, visitors

todd — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 23:10:11 +0000

RE-POST FROM http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/fire-news/hiking-prep-important-for-locals-visitors_s2_p22154

March 29, 2017

Arizona’s weather and special events bring an influx of visitors and locals to the abundance of hiking trails available in the City. “Concern is high as inexperienced hikers may find themselves in precarious condition if they have over-estimated their hiking abilities and preparation,” says Operations Division Chief Mark DeBruyckere.

The following tips are offered to ensure experience at the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other trails in the City is a healthy one:

Hike with a buddy
Begin hydrating the day before your hike
Have enough water for yourself and pet(s) you bring
Bring a charged cell phone
Wear sensible shoes: hiking boots or tennis/gym shoes
Wear a hat and sunglasses
Tell friends where and when you are going and when you expect to return
Know your location and the closest trailhead

And don’t let our 70-80 degree temps fool you, cautions DeBruyckere. Many of the emergency calls Scottsdale firefighters go on during this time of year are heat-related illness. It is not recommended to plan an active hike the day after a long night of celebrating. Know your fitness level and choose your hike accordingly. Significant hydration prior to the hike and proper clothing will help reduce the risk of heat stress.

Scottsdale’s first microlibrary will open at Chaparral Park April 11

todd — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 23:07:46 +0000

April 3, 2017

Scottsdale Public Library will make books easily available to people at city parks by opening “Books2go” microlibraries at locations throughout the city.

The first permanent installation will open at Chaparral Dog Park at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, when Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane will lead a ribbon cutting of the microlibrary, which, appropriately, looks like a doghouse. The public (and their dogs) are encouraged to attend.

“What’s better than relaxing in a beautiful setting with a good book?” asked Mayor Lane. “I think people will really enjoy being able to borrow books at places where they aren’t usually available. Here they can let Fido run around while they spend some time with Hemingway. It’s a great combination.”

Scottsdale’s Books2Go libraries won’t just be smaller than their brick-and-mortar cousins, they will be filled with books donated by the community instead of ones purchased by the library. No checkout or return will be required – patrons can borrow books and return them on the honor system.

Library volunteers will routinely check the microlibraries and restock them when necessary. This will be Scottsdale’s first permanent Books2go installation.

To build Scottsdale’s first microlibrary, the city tapped Experience Matters, a local nonprofit that connects the talents of experienced adults with the diverse needs of nonprofit organizations.

They helped the library secure the talents of Jim Nance, an Intel Encore Fellow, who built what may be the world’s first library in a doghouse. He also built one in the shape of a barn, which is planned to be used at the Scottsdale Farmers Market later this year.

Additional permanent Books2go locations are planned, but have not been selected.

Learn more about all of Scottsdale Public Library’s locations and services at ScottsdaleLibrary.org.

Parks and Recreation Article – Scottsdale Community Wellness Initiative

Hiking prep important for locals, visitors

Scottsdale’s first microlibrary will open at Chaparral Park April 11