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Seymour Gold Environmental Horticulture Recipient 1996-1997 A nationally recognized authority on park and recreation planning and management, Professor Gold has worked passionately for nearly four decades to transfer university research findings to the public to be put to practical use. Professor Gold was one of the first park professionals to call attention to the under-use of city parks, suggesting that many urban parks were over-designed, over-maintained spaces that did not reflect the preferences of city residents. He also conducted pioneering playground-safety studies. To reduce the estimated 200,000 injuries that occur annually on the nation's playgrounds, he helped develop the playground safety standards adopted by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission in 1981. One of Gold's landmark contributions was the drafting of playground safety guidelines for the state of California, which were signed into law in 1990 in the form of Senate Bill 2733. The author of two highly respected books, Recreation Planning and Design and Urban Recreation Planning, Professor Gold has established one of the nation's largest recreation safety libraries, generously sharing its contents with colleagues, students and private citizens around the world. He served as the technical consultant for "Mickey's Safety Club," an animated playground safety video prepared by Walt Disney Productions for pre-school children and as technical editor for the training video "Inspecting Playgrounds for Hazards," which was distributed worldwide. Over the years, Gold has shared freely of his time and expertise. In 1994-95, alone, he served 65 times as a pro bono consultant for schools, parks and other public agencies. He also has helped to prepare playground safety pamphlets and video presentations that show parents and public agencies how to assess the safety of both backyard and public playgrounds. His career contributions were recognized in 1995 when the National Recreation and Park Association presented him with its Professional Honor Award. That award honors his research and significant contributions to public policy and professional practice in America. |
