Sep 01, 2006

ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products has honored Frances Wallach, Ed.D., president of Total Recreation Management Services in New York, N.Y., with its highest award, the Margaret Dana Award. The award, which is given to individuals who make outstanding contributions to advancing voluntary standards for consumer safety products, recognizes Wallach's tireless efforts in developing safer play areas for children and for her exemplary leadership in Subcommittee F15.29 on Playground Equipment for Public Use.

Wallach lives in New York City.

An ASTM International fellow and 2000 Award of Merit recipient, Wallach has been involved with Committee F15 standards development and related educational activities since 1988. In addition to her service on F15.29 and numerous other F15 groups, she is a member of ASTM International Committees E54 on Homeland Security Applications, F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities, F14 on Fences, F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and F30 on Emergency Medical Services.

A recognized authority on risk reduction in park and recreation facilities and programs, Wallach works on park and playground safety, planning, design and evaluation, including program and equipment design for physically challenged children. Before becoming president of Total Recreation Management Services, Wallach was superintendent of the Nassau County, N.Y. Department of Recreation and Parks.

Outside ASTM International, Wallach is a member of the Institute for Safety and Health Management, the National Playground Safety Institute, the National Safety Council, the National Recreation and Park Association, the New York State Recreation and Park Society, and the World Recreation and Leisure Association.

Wallach earned her Ed.D. in applied human development and her M.A. in recreation administration from Columbia University. She also holds a B.A. in English from Brooklyn College.

Release #7478