Last month South Salt Lake staff from two different departments presented at national conferences to share big ideas that are impacting our community. Innovation in our city extends far beyond our city boundaries, and communities across the country are taking note. We don’t just react to keep up. We work proactively, constantly finding new ways to uplift our community and residents in an ever-changing world. That’s what it means to be a ‘City on the Move’, and we’re proud of all our staff who embody that mentality each and every day.
RECREATION - 5x5x5 Softball
Dustin Permann, our Recreation Coordinator, traveled to Orlando for the National Recreation and Parks Association Conference to present on SSL Recreation’s 5x5x5 Softball Format. This unique softball format involves three teams playing at the same time: one at bat, one infield, and one outfield. This allows for smaller teams of 5-7 players, making it more accessible for small groups of friends, coworkers, or families. It also means more chances at bat for each player, and more opportunities to try different positions on defense.
The premise of three-teams-at-once was found online, but no other information was available. Dustin showed true innovation by developing a rule book and rotational system that allowed for fair matchups and maximum fun. Since developing the format, Dustin has presented it to multiple audiences and worked with Recreation Departments from 23 different states to help them adapt the format to work in their own communities.
Time spent outside is a key component to health and wellness, and by making adult softball accessible for different communities across the country, our team has helped countless people to stay happy and healthy and form new friendship bonds.
PROMISE SSL - Baby & You
At the beginning of the year, Promise South Salt Lake launched a program for new parents called Baby & You. This program consists of a 9-session course that teaches new and expecting parents about their child’s social, emotional, and developmental needs. The program provides free childcare during each session, and brings in expert presenters each week to discuss different areas of child development. Baby & You creates a structure for lasting connection, not just among members of a family, but among all who participate. It isn’t just a workshop series - it’s the beginning of a lasting support system for families on their journey from diapers to diplomas.
Several members of the Promise Baby & You design team and one participating parent went to Atlanta, GA to speak on a panel at the StriveTogether annual conference “Cradle to Career Convening”. The session explored the gaps and challenges of the early learning space and helped audience members to identify if the Baby & You model could be a solution in their communities. Attendees from around the country were excited to learn about how they may be able to bring this program to their residents.