Thursday, March 3, 2011

THE FUTURE TECHNOLOGY!



Let's face it....... technology is moving faster than we are. The implications behind this video say it all. Where sometimes we think we are making things easier by creating the latest and greatest electronic gizmo, we are actually just adding another tedious to-do on our long long list of hoops society says we must jump through.

Sports Communications is an industry that is forced to stay up-to-date faster and quicker than everyone else. The question is not how do I type a comma on the "Mactini". The real question is how do I access real time sports information while texting, listening to an MP3, and driving at the same time?

I envision the future of Sports Communication as a constant battle of trying to keep up to date with the latest technologies until our society reaches a breaking point. Once we are completely numb to flashing lights, 2-for-1 deals, and excess information at the click of the button we may witness people reverting back to simple print medians like newspapers and magazines for the simplicity and pure enjoyment of being able to focus on one thing at a time. Just like in sales, it is said that we are going back to where now direct sales is the most effective way of capturing a new client. being that we see hundreds of ads a day we are now more than ever accustomed to ignoring our surroundings and will tune out commercials more often than not. Sports Communication professionals must stay towards the front of the bell curve and continue to provide information where fans and buyers will be watching and listening. Is anyone even paying attention at this point?

City of Maricopa Seeks New Skate Park Grant

Currently between the buzzing metropolis of Phoenix and the desert oasis of Tucson exists a small city called Maricopa. It is home to over 18,000 people and has the median age of 28.43 years (Maricopa Demographics Summary, 2011). Maricopa is known to be occupied by lots of young families with children. The appeal of Maricopa is it's desolate location yet reasonable commute time to and from the Phoenix Metro area. Housing is less expensive making Maricopa a suitable place to seek Arizona living for less than average cost. The median house hold income is $39,842 and the average household income is $51,789 (Maricopa Demographics Summary, 2011).

In Maricopa there is a growing number of over 900 school-aged children filling 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and one high school. Maricopa has an active Park and Recreation Department and small School District. Together they create opportunities for children to participate in organized recreation and competitive sports. At this time there are minimal opportunities for kids to get involved in extreme sports such as skating, boarding of any kind, and biking. The only organized sports that exist are flag football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer.


Rocky Brown the head of recreation for the City of Maricopa has taken an interest in searching for more opportunities for youth recreation. Rocky appreciates Maricopa's unique location and would be the ideal person to apply for the Tony Hawk Grant. Currently the nearest skate park to Maricopa is located in Ahwatukee at Pecos Park (17010 S. 48th st) which is approximately 25 minutes away. The second closest park is Chandler Skate Park located in Chandler about 30 minutes away (4500 S. Basha rd.). There is also a park located in Mesa called East Valley Skate Park which is approximately 40 minutes from Maricopa and is located at 245 S. Nina Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210.


To get to and from Maricopa there required highway travel making the average commute time to work for Maricopa resident a whopping 33 minutes. In order to compete in less popular activities like horseback riding or lacrosse, kids must travel long distances up into the Phoenix Metro area. Having a new skate park to cater to hundreds of children would become a priceless amenity for the city as well as a priceless activity for kids who are seeking something new, fun, and active.


To learn more about this grant go to http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/


Maricopa Demographics Summary. (n.d.) Retrieved March 3, 2011, from CLRsearch.com http//www.clrsearch.com/maricopa_demographics/az/