100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 green book cover1 Monday, April 21, 2003 11:58:47 AM 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 acknowledgementsn Monday, April 21, 2003 2:05:04 PM 100 100 95 95 75 Community Recreation and Parks 75 25 A Handbook for 25 5 5 0 Pennsylvania Municipalities 0 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, Inc. 100 100 by Susan E. Abele, CPRP 95 95 75 contributions from Ann M. Toole, CPRP 75 2003 25 25 5 5 0 0 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:27 PM 100 100 95 95 Table of Contents 75 Foreward 75 Preface Pennsylvania's community leaders continue to face many of the same Chapter One - Why Recreation and Parks? 1 challenges they faced in 1968 when this publication was first printed. 25 What has changed, however, is the growing recognition of the significant 25 Who Provides Recreation and Parks? 2 5 role recreation and parks services play in enhancing and sustaining the Our Public Recreation and Parks Past 3 5 viability of Pennsylvania's communities. Recreation and parks services The Roles of Governmental Providers 4 0 in 1968 were viewed by many municipal officials as desirable "if the 0 Providing Close-to-Home Recreation 5 budget could afford it." Municipal philosophy today holds that a School Districts Play an Important Role 7 recreation and parks system must be a basic component of the Understanding the Value of Recreation and Parks 8 community's infrastructure, along with streets, sewer and water. The Benefits of Public Recreation and Parks 10 Today's businesses and work force are increasingly more service- Chapter Two - Providing Recreation and Parks 12 oriented and electronically driven. Businesses can locate anywhere they can "plug in;" consequently, quality of life has become a critical factor in Local Governments Provide Recreation and Parks in Many Ways 13 where businesses locate and where skilled and knowledgeable workers Why Should You Have a Recreation and Parks Board? 15 want to live. Both developing communities as well as Pennsylvania's Establishing a Recreation and Parks Board 16 older urban communities are recognizing that open space, recreation Two...or Five...or Ten...Is Better Than One 17 services, parks, greenways and tree-lined streets are not only attracting What Does a Recreation and Parks Board Do? 18 new businesses and workers, but also are creating a viable environment How to Find the Best Board Members 21 that will sustain them. Chapter Three - Strengthening Recreation and Parks 23 Community leaders, whether elected, paid or volunteer, will find this Why Should You Plan? 23 publication helpful in developing or refining recreation and parks Community Comprehensive Planning 24 services to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania. Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Planning 25 Park Master Planning 26 Richard G. Sprenkle Feasibility Studies 27 Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Engineering Services Strategic Planning 28 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Internal Operations Planning 28 and the author of the first edition of How Can Partnerships Strengthen Recreation and Parks? 29 100 "Community Recreation and Parks" 100 What Partnerships Can Do For Your Community 29 95 95 How Do You Make a Partnership Successful? 30 Types of Recreation and Parks Partnerships 31 75 75 Strengthening Recreation and Parks by Involving Citizens 32 How to Find Volunteers 32 Strategies to Get Residents Involved 33 Stronger Community Relations = Stronger Recreation and Parks 34 25 25 Improving the Image of Recreation and Parks Services 34 5 5 Building a Base of Supportive Citizens 36 Effective Recreation and Parks Services Are Action-Oriented 39 0 0 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:27 PM 100 100 95 Table of Contents 95 Foreward 75 Preface 75 Pennsylvania's community leaders continue to face many of the same Chapter One - Why Recreation and Parks? 1 challenges they faced in 1968 when this publication was first printed. What has changed, however, is the growing recognition of the significant 25 Who Provides Recreation and Parks? 2 25 role recreation and parks services play in enhancing and sustaining the Our Public Recreation and Parks Past 3 5 5 viability of Pennsylvania's communities. Recreation and parks services The Roles of Governmental Providers 4 in 1968 were viewed by many municipal officials as desirable "if the 0 Providing Close-to-Home Recreation 5 0 budget could afford it." Municipal philosophy today holds that a School Districts Play an Important Role 7 recreation and parks system must be a basic component of the Understanding the Value of Recreation and Parks 8 community's infrastructure, along with streets, sewer and water. The Benefits of Public Recreation and Parks 10 Today's businesses and work force are increasingly more service- Chapter Two - Providing Recreation and Parks 12 oriented and electronically driven. Businesses can locate anywhere they can "plug in;" consequently, quality of life has become a critical factor in Local Governments Provide Recreation and Parks in Many Ways 13 where businesses locate and where skilled and knowledgeable workers Why Should You Have a Recreation and Parks Board? 15 want to live. Both developing communities as well as Pennsylvania's Establishing a Recreation and Parks Board 16 older urban communities are recognizing that open space, recreation Two...or Five...or Ten...Is Better Than One 17 services, parks, greenways and tree-lined streets are not only attracting What Does a Recreation and Parks Board Do? 18 new businesses and workers, but also are creating a viable environment How to Find the Best Board Members 21 that will sustain them. Chapter Three - Strengthening Recreation and Parks 23 Community leaders, whether elected, paid or volunteer, will find this Why Should You Plan? 23 publication helpful in developing or refining recreation and parks Community Comprehensive Planning 24 services to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania. Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Planning 25 Park Master Planning 26 Richard G. Sprenkle Feasibility Studies 27 Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Engineering Services Strategic Planning 28 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Internal Operations Planning 28 and the author of the first edition of How Can Partnerships Strengthen Recreation and Parks? 29 "Community Recreation and Parks" 100 What Partnerships Can Do For Your Community 29 100 95 How Do You Make a Partnership Successful? 30 95 Types of Recreation and Parks Partnerships 31 75 Strengthening Recreation and Parks by Involving Citizens 32 75 How to Find Volunteers 32 Strategies to Get Residents Involved 33 Stronger Community Relations = Stronger Recreation and Parks 34 25 Improving the Image of Recreation and Parks Services 34 25 5 Building a Base of Supportive Citizens 36 5 Effective Recreation and Parks Services Are Action-Oriented 39 0 0 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:27 PM 100 100 95 95 Chapter Four - Administering Recreation and Parks 40 Preface 75 75 Financing Recreation and Parks 40 Fees and Charges Benefit Your Municipality 42 How do you improve your local economy, conserve your natural Parkland Acquisition 44 environment, strengthen your community and, at the same time, enhance 25 Park Planning, Design and Development 45 25 the well being of your residents? The Importance of Maintenance 46 5 5 The Role of Maintenance Planning 48 You provide public park areas, recreation facilities and recreation 0 Safety and the Role of Risk Management 50 programs! 0 Basic Risk Management Principles 51 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 51 With its large and fragmented local government system, Pennsylvania Recreation Programming 53 faces many challenges to meet the close-to-home recreation needs of its Staffing Recreation and Parks Services 55 citizens. Our municipalities range in size from under 100 to over one Why Hire a Recreation and Parks Professional? 55 million people! Spreading the Word About Recreation and Parks 57 Marketing Recreation and Parks as a Service 58 As a result, "Community Recreation and Parks" is directed at The Tools to Market Recreation and Parks 58 Pennsylvania municipalities of all sizes. Whether your municipality How Do You Find Out What Recreation Services Residents Want? 60 funds a full-service recreation and parks department with full-time staff, you offer no park areas and recreation programs for your citizens at all, or Chapter Five - Trends in Recreation and Parks 61 you fit somewhere in between, this handbook will be helpful to you. Whether you're an elected official, municipal manager, recreation and Demographic Trends 61 parks or school board member, or an active volunteer already involved in Recreation Trends 62 some aspect of recreation, this handbook has information you can use. Park and Facility Trends 64 Environmental Trends 66 Its purpose is to provide an overview of the basic concepts of public Management Trends 69 recreation and parks and show how establishing or improving this Staying Ahead: Monitoring Trends 71 important government service can greatly benefit your community. Summary 72 If you've never provided this service for your municipality, "Community Recreation and Parks" gives you a starting point. If you Appendices 73 currently offer some aspects of public recreation and parks, this handbook 100 will help you enhance and expand your services. In addition to the text 100 Appendix A - Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Regional Offices 73 itself, you'll find a listing of resources to go to for help at the end of the 95 Appendix B - Sample Ordinance 75 95 handbook in Appendix E. Appendix C - Park and Open Space Classifications 77 75 Appendix D - Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program 78 75 Read on and find out more about the government service that plays such Appendix E - Where to Go for Help 79 an important and essential role in making Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live. 25 25 5 5 0 0 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:27 PM 100 100 95 95 Chapter Four - Administering Recreation and Parks 40 Preface 75 75 Financing Recreation and Parks 40 Fees and Charges Benefit Your Municipality 42 How do you improve your local economy, conserve your natural Parkland Acquisition 44 environment, strengthen your community and, at the same time, enhance Park Planning, Design and Development 4525 the well being of your residents? 25 The Importance of Maintenance 465 5 The Role of Maintenance Planning 48 You provide public park areas, recreation facilities and recreation Safety and the Role of Risk Management 50 programs! 0 0 Basic Risk Management Principles 51 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 51 With its large and fragmented local government system, Pennsylvania Recreation Programming 53 faces many challenges to meet the close-to-home recreation needs of its Staffing Recreation and Parks Services 55 citizens. Our municipalities range in size from under 100 to over one Why Hire a Recreation and Parks Professional? 55 million people! Spreading the Word About Recreation and Parks 57 Marketing Recreation and Parks as a Service 58 As a result, "Community Recreation and Parks" is directed at The Tools to Market Recreation and Parks 58 Pennsylvania municipalities of all sizes. Whether your municipality How Do You Find Out What Recreation Services Residents Want? 60 funds a full-service recreation and parks department with full-time staff, you offer no park areas and recreation programs for your citizens at all, or Chapter Five - Trends in Recreation and Parks 61 you fit somewhere in between, this handbook will be helpful to you. Whether you're an elected official, municipal manager, recreation and Demographic Trends 61 parks or school board member, or an active volunteer already involved in Recreation Trends 62 some aspect of recreation, this handbook has information you can use. Park and Facility Trends 64 Environmental Trends 66 Its purpose is to provide an overview of the basic concepts of public Management Trends 69 recreation and parks and show how establishing or improving this Staying Ahead: Monitoring Trends 71 important government service can greatly benefit your community. Summary 72 If you've never provided this service for your municipality, "Community Recreation and Parks" gives you a starting point. If you Appendices 73 currently offer some aspects of public recreation and parks, this handbook 100 will help you enhance and expand your services. In addition to the text 100 Appendix A - Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Regional Offices 73 itself, you'll find a listing of resources to go to for help at the end of the Appendix B - Sample Ordinance 7595 handbook in Appendix E. 95 Appendix C - Park and Open Space Classifications 77 Appendix D - Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program 7875 Read on and find out more about the government service that plays such 75 Appendix E - Where to Go for Help 79 an important and essential role in making Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live. 25 25 5 5 0 0 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:28 PM 100 100 95 95 75 Chapter One § Recreation is an activity: the act of participating in experiences 75 that result in achieving and maintaining the balance required Why Recreation and Parks? for people to live life fully and to realize their full potential. 25 25 § Parks are places: areas of land set aside for public use, Congratulations! You've decided to explore maintained for the enjoyment and recreational use of people. providing recreation and parks in your 5 community. We welcome you as you join over 5 Consider parks as a surface upon 0 1,000 other communities in Pennsylvania with 0 which recreation takes place, public recreation and parks services. They have recognizing that other things can found that recreation and parks builds better happen in parks and that recreation communities. Pennsylvanians love their parks, can take place anywhere. from those as small as the City of Reading's .53- acre Hampden Park to the 18,719-acre Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette So, what is community recreation County. People love the parks that are close to home, places where and parks? A simple definition is friends gather, children play and nature abounds. Pennsylvania residents the entire range of activities, (even those who never use them) believe that public park areas and relationships, interactions and recreation programs are important to have in their communities. experiences planned for and carried out to meet the recreation needs of residents. This includes providing the spaces and places where Developing and operating a local recreation and parks system may be recreation takes place. Community recreation and parks is anything and one of the most rewarding experiences your community will ever have. everything the community does to satisfy people's interests. Financially, parks increase property values and attract business and industry to your area. Recreation programs improve the fitness and wellness of your residents. Parks, greenways and trails preserve your Who Provides Recreation and Parks? community's natural environment. Cultural and ethnic understanding takes place when your citizens meet each other and work and play In Pennsylvania, providers of recreation and parks services range from together. Community recreation and parks is more than just a good time. family campgrounds, commercial fitness centers and ice rinks, nonprofit YMCAs and scout councils, churches and service clubs, to public Of course, every journey begins with the first step. In this chapter, we recreation and parks departments. All fall into one of three sectors. look at the many providers of recreation and parks services in Pennsylvania. We consider what community recreation and parks is all § The public sector is commonly known as recreation and parks 100 about. We show you some examples of what has worked elsewhere so agencies at the national, state, regional and local levels of 100 that you know this isn't all talk. Recreation and parks is an essential government. These agencies provide park areas, recreation 95 public service in communities where people want to live, work, make 95 facilities, programs and services that are supported by tax friends, raise a family and enjoy life. And finally, we present the many dollars for use by the general public. 75 benefits of recreation and parks for you to consider for your own 75 community. § The private for-profit business sector includes commercial recreation, travel and tourism. Private for-profits are in the 25 When you consider what the words "recreation" and "parks" mean, recreation business for one major reason - financial profit. 25 you'll see that there is a related but fundamental difference in the two Examples include bowling centers, health and fitness 5 terms. 5 clubs, movie theaters, ski resorts, golf courses, amusement parks and race tracks. 0 0 1 2 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:28 PM 100 100 95 95 Chapter One § Recreation is an activity: the act of participating in experiences 75 that result in achieving and maintaining the balance required 75 Why Recreation and Parks? for people to live life fully and to realize their full potential. 25 § Parks are places: areas of land set aside for public use, Congratulations! You've decided to explore 25 maintained for the enjoyment and recreational use of people. providing recreation and parks in your community. We welcome you as you join over 5 5 Consider parks as a surface upon 1,000 other communities in Pennsylvania with 0 which recreation takes place, 0 public recreation and parks services. They have recognizing that other things can found that recreation and parks builds better happen in parks and that recreation communities. Pennsylvanians love their parks, can take place anywhere. from those as small as the City of Reading's .53- acre Hampden Park to the 18,719-acre Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette So, what is community recreation County. People love the parks that are close to home, places where and parks? A simple definition is friends gather, children play and nature abounds. Pennsylvania residents the entire range of activities, (even those who never use them) believe that public park areas and relationships, interactions and recreation programs are important to have in their communities. experiences planned for and carried out to meet the recreation needs of residents. This includes providing the spaces and places where Developing and operating a local recreation and parks system may be recreation takes place. Community recreation and parks is anything and one of the most rewarding experiences your community will ever have. everything the community does to satisfy people's interests. Financially, parks increase property values and attract business and industry to your area. Recreation programs improve the fitness and wellness of your residents. Parks, greenways and trails preserve your Who Provides Recreation and Parks? community's natural environment. Cultural and ethnic understanding takes place when your citizens meet each other and work and play In Pennsylvania, providers of recreation and parks services range from together. Community recreation and parks is more than just a good time. family campgrounds, commercial fitness centers and ice rinks, nonprofit YMCAs and scout councils, churches and service clubs, to public Of course, every journey begins with the first step. In this chapter, we recreation and parks departments. All fall into one of three sectors. look at the many providers of recreation and parks services in Pennsylvania. We consider what community recreation and parks is all § The public sector is commonly known as recreation and parks about. We show you some examples of what has worked elsewhere so agencies at the national, state, regional and local levels of 100 100 that you know this isn't all talk. Recreation and parks is an essential government. These agencies provide park areas, recreation public service in communities where people want to live, work, make 95 facilities, programs and services that are supported by tax 95 friends, raise a family and enjoy life. And finally, we present the many dollars for use by the general public. benefits of recreation and parks for you to consider for your own 75 75 community. § The private for-profit business sector includes commercial recreation, travel and tourism. Private for-profits are in the When you consider what the words "recreation" and "parks" mean, recreation business for one major reason - financial profit. 25 25 you'll see that there is a related but fundamental difference in the two Examples include bowling centers, health and fitness terms. 5 clubs, movie theaters, ski resorts, golf courses, amusement 5 parks and race tracks. 0 0 1 2 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:28 PM 100 100 95 95 § Nonprofit sector recreation providers are generally social and parks boards and departments form throughout Pennsylvania. 75 service oriented associations that extensively rely on volunteer 75 Recreation and parks is an expanding local government service. Many support. These associations may focus on health, the of the new agencies are regional recreation commissions, formed by environment, disability, the arts, religion, youth development or intergovernmental agreements of cooperation. On average, two to three 25 the elderly. They typically have a specific mission and operate 25 new regional recreation commissions are formed each year. on a nonprofit financial basis, relying on membership fees, 5 donations, grants, and often United Way funding. Boys and 5 In 1935, the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) was Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, Lions Clubs and Little League founded. PRPS is the principal state organization promoting recreation 0 Baseball organizations are examples. 0 and park training, networking and leadership opportunities for those working and volunteering in the field. Members include professionals Our Public Recreation and Parks Past who manage municipal recreation and parks systems and state parks, citizen members of recreation and parks boards, and therapeutic Public recreation and parks began in Pennsylvania and throughout the recreation professionals working in health care settings. United States as two distinct movements. Urban parks like the 8,900- acre Fairmount Park in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh's oldest park, the 80- The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation was created in 1966 and acre Allegheny Commons, were became part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources founded in 1855 and 1788 (DCNR) in 1995. While its central office is in Harrisburg, the Bureau respectively. Pennsylvania's first operates regional offices throughout Pennsylvania. The Bureau's state park is Mont Alto in Franklin mission is to serve as a leader in establishing community conservation County, which opened to the public in partnerships for advancing the greening of Pennsylvania, for protecting 1902. Funding for public parks has the Commonwealth's natural and heritage resources and for providing always come primarily from citizen recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians and visitors to enjoy. taxes. (For a map and list of the Bureau's regional offices see Appendix A.) Public recreation started with schools providing programs for children The Roles of Governmental Providers as early as the 1800s. Recreation programs sponsored by Pennsylvania The total spectrum of government-sponsored recreation services in local governments didn't occur until the turn of the 20th century, when Pennsylvania involves not only local government but also federal, state, the industrial revolution created social needs that initiated the first regional and county agencies. Federal government agencies acquire, playgrounds in our cities. The beginning focus of public sector develop and maintain vast areas often unique in nature that have scenic, recreation was on social services for citizens, and, like public parks, historic, conservation or recreation values to the entire nation. The funding came primarily from taxes. School districts in Pennsylvania ran 100 National Park Service manages parks, the United States Forest Service summer and school-year community recreation programs with the help 100manages forests, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers 95 of state funds. In the 1960s, when state reimbursements were stopped, 95 manages impounded waters. The National Park Service oversees 21 sites many local governments took over programs dropped by school in Pennsylvania, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation 75 districts. In some communities, school districts decided to continue 75 Area, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Johnstown Flood National providing recreation services. Over time, communities began to merge Memorial, and Independence and Valley Forge National Historical Parks. the management of parks and recreation services into one department, The Forest Service manages the Allegheny National Forest in funded primarily by local government. Many larger cities in 25 25 Pennsylvania, while the Army Corps of Engineers operates 28 locks, Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Reading and Lancaster, still have dams and lakes throughout the state. Examples are Kinzua Dam, 5 separate departments for recreation and parks. Some, like York and 5 Loyalhanna Lake, the Maxwell Lock and Dam on the Monongahela Harrisburg, have combined the functions. Each year, new recreation River, and Raystown Lake. 0 0 3 4 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:28 PM 100 100 95 95 § Nonprofit sector recreation providers are generally social and parks boards and departments form throughout Pennsylvania. service oriented associations that extensively rely on volunteer 75 Recreation and parks is an expanding local government service. Many 75 support. These associations may focus on health, the of the new agencies are regional recreation commissions, formed by environment, disability, the arts, religion, youth development or intergovernmental agreements of cooperation. On average, two to three the elderly. They typically have a specific mission and operate 25 new regional recreation commissions are formed each year. 25 on a nonprofit financial basis, relying on membership fees, donations, grants, and often United Way funding. Boys and 5 In 1935, the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) was 5 Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, Lions Clubs and Little League founded. PRPS is the principal state organization promoting recreation Baseball organizations are examples. 0 and park training, networking and leadership opportunities for those 0 working and volunteering in the field. Members include professionals Our Public Recreation and Parks Past who manage municipal recreation and parks systems and state parks, citizen members of recreation and parks boards, and therapeutic Public recreation and parks began in Pennsylvania and throughout the recreation professionals working in health care settings. United States as two distinct movements. Urban parks like the 8,900- acre Fairmount Park in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh's oldest park, the 80- The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation was created in 1966 and acre Allegheny Commons, were became part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources founded in 1855 and 1788 (DCNR) in 1995. While its central office is in Harrisburg, the Bureau respectively. Pennsylvania's first operates regional offices throughout Pennsylvania. The Bureau's state park is Mont Alto in Franklin mission is to serve as a leader in establishing community conservation County, which opened to the public in partnerships for advancing the greening of Pennsylvania, for protecting 1902. Funding for public parks has the Commonwealth's natural and heritage resources and for providing always come primarily from citizen recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians and visitors to enjoy. taxes. (For a map and list of the Bureau's regional offices see Appendix A.) Public recreation started with schools providing programs for children The Roles of Governmental Providers as early as the 1800s. Recreation programs sponsored by Pennsylvania The total spectrum of government-sponsored recreation services in local governments didn't occur until the turn of the 20th century, when Pennsylvania involves not only local government but also federal, state, the industrial revolution created social needs that initiated the first regional and county agencies. Federal government agencies acquire, playgrounds in our cities. The beginning focus of public sector develop and maintain vast areas often unique in nature that have scenic, recreation was on social services for citizens, and, like public parks, historic, conservation or recreation values to the entire nation. The funding came primarily from taxes. School districts in Pennsylvania ran 100 National Park Service manages parks, the United States Forest Service summer and school-year community recreation programs with the help 100 manages forests, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers of state funds. In the 1960s, when state reimbursements were stopped, 95 manages impounded waters. The National Park Service oversees 21 sites 95 many local governments took over programs dropped by school in Pennsylvania, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation districts. In some communities, school districts decided to continue 75 Area, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Johnstown Flood National 75 providing recreation services. Over time, communities began to merge Memorial, and Independence and Valley Forge National Historical Parks. the management of parks and recreation services into one department, The Forest Service manages the Allegheny National Forest in funded primarily by local government. Many larger cities in 25 Pennsylvania, while the Army Corps of Engineers operates 28 locks, Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Reading and Lancaster, still have 25 dams and lakes throughout the state. Examples are Kinzua Dam, separate departments for recreation and parks. Some, like York and 5 Loyalhanna Lake, the Maxwell Lock and Dam on the Monongahela 5 Harrisburg, have combined the functions. Each year, new recreation River, and Raystown Lake. 0 0 3 4 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:28 PM 100 100 95 95 Pennsylvania state government's role is similar to that of the federal What makes one community in Pennsylvania more desirable to live in 75 government. The Commonwealth has 116 state parks and one of the 75 than another? It's more than just the quality of the school system, the largest systems in the country. Over 283,000 acres of state park property condition of the roads and the safety of the neighborhoods. A significant is maintained for public enjoyment. Pennsylvania has a 1.4 million-acre factor is the number of local park areas and how easily residents can 25 state game lands system, open to the public for hunting, trapping, fishing 25 access community facilities like recreation centers, swimming pools, and hiking, and over 2.1 million acres of state forests. The Fort Pitt basketball courts and athletic fields. 5 Museum in Allegheny County, Scranton Iron Furnaces in Lackawanna 5 County, Brandywine Battlefield in Chester County, and Landis Valley Providing parkland and recreation 0 Farm Museum in Lancaster County are four of the 26 state-owned 0 facilities for your residents is an important historic sites and museums. State agencies offer mainly interpretive local government function. Municipal recreation and environmental education programs at their parks and parks are permanent places for the public historic areas. to enjoy. They don't close when the economy is struggling or the number of County government's role in Pennsylvania is to provide regional park club volunteers is down. Local areas and recreation facilities and programs that are beyond the government also has the financial ability capabilities of municipal government, yet less extensive than those to purchase land and natural resources to provided by the state. Of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, 28 have parks and preserve the areas for future use or to recreation departments. One of the largest county park systems is protect them from development. eastern Pennsylvania's Bucks County, with over 7,200 acres of parkland for the enjoyment of residents. Bucks County offers active use Equally as important are the experiences recreational facilities like a golf course and outdoor swimming pools as citizens have through involvement in well as acres of undeveloped open space. Some counties also provide recreation programs. Public recreation greenway and trail systems. Recreation programs offered by counties are programs have continuity from year to year and are offered at affordable generally environmentally-oriented or special events. In rural areas, prices so all citizens may enjoy them. particularly where municipal government isn't providing recreation services, the county may serve as a coordinator and provider of services Providing this close-to-home recreation and parks experience is the to meet local recreation needs. An example is Monroe County. It responsibility of municipalities. Most of Pennsylvania's municipalities employs three full-time recreation program professionals who plan have the staff, volunteers and financial resources to operate park areas programs that are held in municipal locations. and recreation facilities that are open to the public without charge or at low cost. In the same way, the programs provided by local government Providing Close-to-Home Recreation assure that recreation opportunities are accessible and available to every 100 100 The role of municipal government is to provide services that contribute citizen, not just those with the financial and transportation means to pay 95 to the betterment of residents and the community as a whole, services 95 for and travel to privately-sponsored facilities and activities. which individuals and groups can't realistically provide for themselves. 75 75 This should be the mission of local government recreation and In Pennsylvania, our local governments provide community recreation parks - to provide opportunities that guarantee every resident quality and parks services for the benefit of people living within the designated recreation experiences by: 25 boundaries of cities, boroughs, townships and home rule municipalities. 25 These services include public parks, greenways and trails, recreation § Offering recreation programs and services that are consistent 5 facilities and community recreation programs. 5 with citizens' needs and interests and add to their health, sense of well being and sense of community. 0 0 2300-bk-dcnr3083 5 March 2002 6 Printed on Recycled Paper printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:29 PM 100 100 95 95 Pennsylvania state government's role is similar to that of the federal What makes one community in Pennsylvania more desirable to live in government. The Commonwealth has 116 state parks and one of the 75 than another? It's more than just the quality of the school system, the 75 largest systems in the country. Over 283,000 acres of state park property condition of the roads and the safety of the neighborhoods. A significant is maintained for public enjoyment. Pennsylvania has a 1.4 million-acre factor is the number of local park areas and how easily residents can state game lands system, open to the public for hunting, trapping, fishing 25 access community facilities like recreation centers, swimming pools, 25 and hiking, and over 2.1 million acres of state forests. The Fort Pitt basketball courts and athletic fields. Museum in Allegheny County, Scranton Iron Furnaces in Lackawanna 5 5 County, Brandywine Battlefield in Chester County, and Landis Valley Providing parkland and recreation Farm Museum in Lancaster County are four of the 26 state-owned 0 facilities for your residents is an important 0 historic sites and museums. State agencies offer mainly interpretive local government function. Municipal recreation and environmental education programs at their parks and parks are permanent places for the public historic areas. to enjoy. They don't close when the economy is struggling or the number of County government's role in Pennsylvania is to provide regional park club volunteers is down. Local areas and recreation facilities and programs that are beyond the government also has the financial ability capabilities of municipal government, yet less extensive than those to purchase land and natural resources to provided by the state. Of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, 28 have parks and preserve the areas for future use or to recreation departments. One of the largest county park systems is protect them from development. eastern Pennsylvania's Bucks County, with over 7,200 acres of parkland for the enjoyment of residents. Bucks County offers active use Equally as important are the experiences recreational facilities like a golf course and outdoor swimming pools as citizens have through involvement in well as acres of undeveloped open space. Some counties also provide recreation programs. Public recreation greenway and trail systems. Recreation programs offered by counties are programs have continuity from year to year and are offered at affordable generally environmentally-oriented or special events. In rural areas, prices so all citizens may enjoy them. particularly where municipal government isn't providing recreation services, the county may serve as a coordinator and provider of services Providing this close-to-home recreation and parks experience is the to meet local recreation needs. An example is Monroe County. It responsibility of municipalities. Most of Pennsylvania's municipalities employs three full-time recreation program professionals who plan have the staff, volunteers and financial resources to operate park areas programs that are held in municipal locations. and recreation facilities that are open to the public without charge or at low cost. In the same way, the programs provided by local government Providing Close-to-Home Recreation assure that recreation opportunities are accessible and available to every 100 100 The role of municipal government is to provide services that contribute citizen, not just those with the financial and transportation means to pay to the betterment of residents and the community as a whole, services 95 for and travel to privately-sponsored facilities and activities. 95 which individuals and groups can't realistically provide for themselves. 75 This should be the mission of local government recreation and 75 In Pennsylvania, our local governments provide community recreation parks - to provide opportunities that guarantee every resident quality and parks services for the benefit of people living within the designated recreation experiences by: boundaries of cities, boroughs, townships and home rule municipalities. 25 25 These services include public parks, greenways and trails, recreation § Offering recreation programs and services that are consistent facilities and community recreation programs. 5 with citizens' needs and interests and add to their health, sense of 5 well being and sense of community. 0 0 2300-bk-dcnr3083 5 March 2002 6 Printed on Recycled Paper printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:29 PM 100 100 95 95 § Developing and maintaining park areas and recreation facilities should cooperate extensively with local government and other recreation 75 for citizens to enjoy, and at the same time, protecting and 75 providers such as youth sports organizations to make their fields and preserving the environment for future generations. facilities available for community recreation at little or no cost. 25 Within Pennsylvania communities, a variety of organizations exist 25 Local government recreation and whose purpose includes providing recreation opportunities to their parks represents the interests of all 5 members or to the general public. These agencies include civic and 5 residents, which places it in the service groups, religious organizations and churches, athletic and best position to work closely with 0 cultural groups, youth serving agencies and commercial businesses. 0 school districts for community use of school facilities outside of Local government is just one of these providers. Their roles and school hours. Municipalities are responsibilities differ but the recreation opportunities provided form an also best positioned to work with inter-related system of recreation services within the municipality. In school districts as they build, any community, recreation services are not all provided by government. renovate or close school buildings and facilities that could be used for community recreation. An important role for local government is to serve as the "central clearinghouse" for parks and recreation activities. This role can enhance In rural Pennsylvania, open space is plentiful. Thousands of acres of communication among organizations and identify opportunities to work state forests and game lands and state parks are close by. These facilities together and share resources. By coordinating all that's offered, local provide only a limited scope of activities. Places to hunt, fish and hike governments can improve services, give residents a clear understanding can't meet all people's needs for sports, cultural and social activities. of all the opportunities available to them and minimize duplication of Since school districts are often the only providers of recreation facilities services. The focus is on collectively strengthening the community's in rural communities, it's essential that local governments and school recreation and parks system. districts cooperate in order to meet the recreation needs of citizens. School Districts Play an Important Role Pennsylvania school districts can work together with municipal recreation and parks in many other ways. Teachers and coaches make Pennsylvania has 501 public excellent program instructors and volunteers. Supplies can be jointly school districts. Some serve one purchased, maintenance equipment shared and community recreation municipality while others may program information included in school newsletters. These types of School serve many, like Clinton County's partnerships can save significant time and money. Some school districts Keystone Central School District are active partners with their municipalities as part of intergovernmental 100 with its 29 municipalities. All Picture 100recreation commissions and even provide office space for recreation 95 school districts have indoor and 95 staff. outdoor recreation facilities 75 constructed with and maintained 75 Understanding the Value of Recreation and Parks by citizen tax dollars. The list includes indoor swimming pools, gymnasiums, weight training rooms, auditoriums, wrestling rooms, If you ask the average Pennsylvanian what services government should computer labs, ball fields, tennis courts, football stadiums, soccer fields, provide for citizens, will they include recreation and parks in their 25 running tracks and playgrounds. Because of this, school districts need to 25 response? They should, but if they don't, most likely it's because they 5 play a vital role in the provision of recreation services by allowing 5 don't understand why recreation and parks services are important to their community use of their facilities. School districts in Pennsylvania communities. 0 0 7 8 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:29 PM 100 100 95 95 § Developing and maintaining park areas and recreation facilities should cooperate extensively with local government and other recreation for citizens to enjoy, and at the same time, protecting and 75 providers such as youth sports organizations to make their fields and 75 preserving the environment for future generations. facilities available for community recreation at little or no cost. Within Pennsylvania communities, a variety of organizations exist 25 Local government recreation and 25 whose purpose includes providing recreation opportunities to their parks represents the interests of all members or to the general public. These agencies include civic and 5 residents, which places it in the 5 service groups, religious organizations and churches, athletic and best position to work closely with cultural groups, youth serving agencies and commercial businesses. 0 school districts for community use 0 of school facilities outside of Local government is just one of these providers. Their roles and school hours. Municipalities are responsibilities differ but the recreation opportunities provided form an also best positioned to work with inter-related system of recreation services within the municipality. In school districts as they build, any community, recreation services are not all provided by government. renovate or close school buildings and facilities that could be used for community recreation. An important role for local government is to serve as the "central clearinghouse" for parks and recreation activities. This role can enhance In rural Pennsylvania, open space is plentiful. Thousands of acres of communication among organizations and identify opportunities to work state forests and game lands and state parks are close by. These facilities together and share resources. By coordinating all that's offered, local provide only a limited scope of activities. Places to hunt, fish and hike governments can improve services, give residents a clear understanding can't meet all people's needs for sports, cultural and social activities. of all the opportunities available to them and minimize duplication of Since school districts are often the only providers of recreation facilities services. The focus is on collectively strengthening the community's in rural communities, it's essential that local governments and school recreation and parks system. districts cooperate in order to meet the recreation needs of citizens. School Districts Play an Important Role Pennsylvania school districts can work together with municipal recreation and parks in many other ways. Teachers and coaches make Pennsylvania has 501 public excellent program instructors and volunteers. Supplies can be jointly school districts. Some serve one purchased, maintenance equipment shared and community recreation municipality while others may program information included in school newsletters. These types of School serve many, like Clinton County's partnerships can save significant time and money. Some school districts Keystone Central School District are active partners with their municipalities as part of intergovernmental with its 29 municipalities. All Picture 100 recreation commissions and even provide office space for recreation 100 school districts have indoor and 95 staff. 95 outdoor recreation facilities constructed with and maintained 75 Understanding the Value of Recreation and Parks 75 by citizen tax dollars. The list includes indoor swimming pools, gymnasiums, weight training rooms, auditoriums, wrestling rooms, If you ask the average Pennsylvanian what services government should computer labs, ball fields, tennis courts, football stadiums, soccer fields, provide for citizens, will they include recreation and parks in their running tracks and playgrounds. Because of this, school districts need to 25 response? They should, but if they don't, most likely it's because they 25 play a vital role in the provision of recreation services by allowing 5 don't understand why recreation and parks services are important to their 5 community use of their facilities. School districts in Pennsylvania communities. 0 0 7 8 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:29 PM 100 100 95 95 An essential service is something that taxpayers won't do without. The Benefits of Public Recreation and Parks 75 Public safety services like police 75 and fire protection are perfect The recreation and parks programs, places, events and services offered examples. Recreation and parks by local government positively impact many areas of citizen's lives and 25 can be established as an essential, 25 your community as a whole. Pennsylvania municipalities that invest in necessary government service. park areas and recreation programs are creating opportunities for 5 But how do you do this? 5 personal enrichment, economic growth, environmental integrity, and social and community welfare. 0 What makes recreation and parks 0 essential is different from Meeting the Basic Needs of Your Residents community to community. Most The aim of community recreation and parks is to improve the quality of recreation and parks agencies are life for your residents, giving them opportunities to enhance their doing good things, but elected officials don't know, and even worse, physical, social, spiritual, cultural and intellectual well being. Through many citizens aren't involved in any way with programs and services. recreation programs, your citizens improve their health and fitness, learn The last characteristic any recreation and parks service wants to be to compete and cooperate, enhance their creativity, build relationships, described as is "invisible." develop character, reduce stress, and become happier and more productive and involved in community life. Well-designed community To begin to change this, key community leaders have to clearly recreation programs meet people's needs for belonging, identity, understand the value of recreation and parks services to your recognition, achievement, affection, social approval, adventure, community. So it's important to talk about the worth and promote how excitement, creativity and competition. Recreation programs provide necessary and important these services are, rather than assume that experiences that help people grow, develop self-confidence and increase citizens understand the role recreation and parks currently plays or could self-esteem. Recreation and parks offers diversion from routine, life- play in making your community a better place to live. It's necessary to long learning, self-discovery, cultural growth and life enrichment clearly communicate this message in plain, convincing terms that make opportunities to residents of all ages. sense to residents so it's easy to understand. The hardest part is being able to articulate in writing and in conversations just how recreation and Improving Your Local Economy parks services are essential, since value is intangible and hard to A quality recreation and parks system attracts business relocation and quantify. expansion, and serves as a catalyst for tourism, bringing visitors and retirees to spend money To find out if the recreation and parks programs and services your and time in your community offers are valuable and worthwhile to citizens many community. It contributes 100 questions have to be asked and answered. Who gains from these 100 to healthy and productive services? How do residents benefit? What does your community get in work forces, and enhances 95 95 return? What significant issues must be dealt with? And the toughest real estate values. 75 question of all, what would happen if your community had no recreation 75 Business expansion means and parks services? How would that affect your community? It's also new homes are critical to identify the most important recreation services your constructed, bringing community offers. What is offered that your residents won't do increased revenue to your 25 without? Just as important, what could be offered that residents 25 municipality for services. 5 wouldn't want to do without? This helps to determine what community 5 Recreation programs held role your recreation and parks service should play. at your community 0 0 9 10 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:30 PM 100 100 95 95 An essential service is something that taxpayers won't do without. The Benefits of Public Recreation and Parks Public safety services like police 75 75 and fire protection are perfect The recreation and parks programs, places, events and services offered examples. Recreation and parks by local government positively impact many areas of citizen's lives and can be established as an essential, 25 your community as a whole. Pennsylvania municipalities that invest in 25 necessary government service. park areas and recreation programs are creating opportunities for But how do you do this? 5 personal enrichment, economic growth, environmental integrity, and 5 social and community welfare. What makes recreation and parks 0 0 essential is different from Meeting the Basic Needs of Your Residents community to community. Most The aim of community recreation and parks is to improve the quality of recreation and parks agencies are life for your residents, giving them opportunities to enhance their doing good things, but elected officials don't know, and even worse, physical, social, spiritual, cultural and intellectual well being. Through many citizens aren't involved in any way with programs and services. recreation programs, your citizens improve their health and fitness, learn The last characteristic any recreation and parks service wants to be to compete and cooperate, enhance their creativity, build relationships, described as is "invisible." develop character, reduce stress, and become happier and more productive and involved in community life. Well-designed community To begin to change this, key community leaders have to clearly recreation programs meet people's needs for belonging, identity, understand the value of recreation and parks services to your recognition, achievement, affection, social approval, adventure, community. So it's important to talk about the worth and promote how excitement, creativity and competition. Recreation programs provide necessary and important these services are, rather than assume that experiences that help people grow, develop self-confidence and increase citizens understand the role recreation and parks currently plays or could self-esteem. Recreation and parks offers diversion from routine, life- play in making your community a better place to live. It's necessary to long learning, self-discovery, cultural growth and life enrichment clearly communicate this message in plain, convincing terms that make opportunities to residents of all ages. sense to residents so it's easy to understand. The hardest part is being able to articulate in writing and in conversations just how recreation and Improving Your Local Economy parks services are essential, since value is intangible and hard to A quality recreation and parks system attracts business relocation and quantify. expansion, and serves as a catalyst for tourism, bringing visitors and retirees to spend money To find out if the recreation and parks programs and services your and time in your community offers are valuable and worthwhile to citizens many community. It contributes questions have to be asked and answered. Who gains from these 100 to healthy and productive 100 services? How do residents benefit? What does your community get in work forces, and enhances 95 95 return? What significant issues must be dealt with? And the toughest real estate values. question of all, what would happen if your community had no recreation 75 Business expansion means 75 and parks services? How would that affect your community? It's also new homes are critical to identify the most important recreation services your constructed, bringing community offers. What is offered that your residents won't do increased revenue to your without? Just as important, what could be offered that residents 25 municipality for services. 25 wouldn't want to do without? This helps to determine what community 5 Recreation programs held 5 role your recreation and parks service should play. at your community 0 0 9 10 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:30 PM 100 100 95 95 facilities help to reduce the high cost of vandalism. Recreation aids 75 75 Chapter Two financial stability in families by providing affordable activities, and helps to supplement your citizens' income through part-time employment Providing Recreation and Parks opportunities. 25 25 So, how do you get in touch with what's right for Enhancing Your Natural Environment your community...and how do you get started? 5 Recreation and parks helps to develop a bond among your citizens that 5 0 encourages preservation and conservation of the environment. It 0 The way Pennsylvania provides local government preserves plant and wildlife habitats, fosters community pride in natural services is probably more grassroots-oriented than resources, provides accessible places to enjoy nature, protects natural any other state. We have more than 2,500 cities, resources and open space areas, helps to control pollution, and enhances counties, boroughs, townships and home rule air, water and soil quality. Parks provide buffers between residential and municipalities! Every region of Pennsylvania has its industrial areas. Trail and greenway systems link parks, schools and own distinct character and way of providing other community services together for safe biking and walking, cutting recreation and parks services. down on traffic congestion. Recreation and parks is a very citizen-centered Strengthening Your Community service. Providing it with the active involvement of your citizens makes Providing positive, meaningful and relevant programs and events sense. Forming a recreation and parks board is the most common way strengthens your community and encourages a sense of cohesion, unity, that Pennsylvania municipalities get that necessary public input. belonging, pride and appreciation for your community's traditions and Pennsylvania has nearly 900 recreation and parks boards. In this chapter heritage. Bringing your we discuss how to establish a board and give you guidance on finding residents in touch with and keeping good board members. We tell you how your community each other and their benefits by having a recreation and parks board and outline the board's environment builds roles and responsibilities. stronger families, reduces loneliness and alienation, Our state's large number of municipal governments creates many promotes ethnic and challenges for recreation and parks. Many municipalities are too small cultural understanding and to financially support recreation facilities like swimming pools and harmony and enhances community centers by themselves. In larger suburban municipalities community spirit. People recreation facilities and programs are often duplicated. Sometimes, 100 meet their neighbors and municipalities end up providing parks, recreation facilities and services 100 develop friendships at for smaller neighboring municipalities, at a significant cost and with no 95 parks and at recreation 95 financial help from them. programs. Recreation provides citizen involvement opportunities that 75 build leadership skills your citizens can use to tackle other community 75 There's always been a lack of interest, reluctance and even unwillingness concerns. Recreation provides alternatives to self-destructive behavior for municipalities to work together to provide local government services. and helps to prevent crime, especially among youth. Keeping children But, for recreation and parks that's changing rapidly! As Pennsylvania's 25 involved in constructive, positive activities helps to keep them out of 25 municipalities recognize the need to provide recreation and parks, they're trouble. also realizing that cooperating with nearby municipalities is a win-win 5 5 situation. You save money and reduce duplication, and at the same time provide a better quality service. 0 0 11 12 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:30 PM 100 100 95 95 facilities help to reduce the high cost of vandalism. Recreation aids 75 Chapter Two financial stability in families by providing affordable activities, and helps 75 to supplement your citizens' income through part-time employment Providing Recreation and Parks opportunities. 25 So, how do you get in touch with what's right for 25 Enhancing Your Natural Environment your community...and how do you get started? Recreation and parks helps to develop a bond among your citizens that 5 5 encourages preservation and conservation of the environment. It 0 The way Pennsylvania provides local government 0 preserves plant and wildlife habitats, fosters community pride in natural services is probably more grassroots-oriented than resources, provides accessible places to enjoy nature, protects natural any other state. We have more than 2,500 cities, resources and open space areas, helps to control pollution, and enhances counties, boroughs, townships and home rule air, water and soil quality. Parks provide buffers between residential and municipalities! Every region of Pennsylvania has its industrial areas. Trail and greenway systems link parks, schools and own distinct character and way of providing other community services together for safe biking and walking, cutting recreation and parks services. down on traffic congestion. Recreation and parks is a very citizen-centered Strengthening Your Community service. Providing it with the active involvement of your citizens makes Providing positive, meaningful and relevant programs and events sense. Forming a recreation and parks board is the most common way strengthens your community and encourages a sense of cohesion, unity, that Pennsylvania municipalities get that necessary public input. belonging, pride and appreciation for your community's traditions and Pennsylvania has nearly 900 recreation and parks boards. In this chapter heritage. Bringing your we discuss how to establish a board and give you guidance on finding residents in touch with and keeping good board members. We tell you how your community each other and their benefits by having a recreation and parks board and outline the board's environment builds roles and responsibilities. stronger families, reduces loneliness and alienation, Our state's large number of municipal governments creates many promotes ethnic and challenges for recreation and parks. Many municipalities are too small cultural understanding and to financially support recreation facilities like swimming pools and harmony and enhances community centers by themselves. In larger suburban municipalities community spirit. People recreation facilities and programs are often duplicated. Sometimes, meet their neighbors and 100 municipalities end up providing parks, recreation facilities and services 100 develop friendships at for smaller neighboring municipalities, at a significant cost and with no parks and at recreation 95 financial help from them. 95 programs. Recreation provides citizen involvement opportunities that build leadership skills your citizens can use to tackle other community 75 There's always been a lack of interest, reluctance and even unwillingness 75 concerns. Recreation provides alternatives to self-destructive behavior for municipalities to work together to provide local government services. and helps to prevent crime, especially among youth. Keeping children But, for recreation and parks that's changing rapidly! As Pennsylvania's involved in constructive, positive activities helps to keep them out of 25 municipalities recognize the need to provide recreation and parks, they're 25 trouble. also realizing that cooperating with nearby municipalities is a win-win 5 situation. You save money and reduce duplication, and at the same time 5 provide a better quality service. 0 0 11 12 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:30 PM 100 100 95 95 Local Governments Provide Recreation and Parks in Many Ways § The non-profit Southern End Community Association provides 75 75 recreation programs for six municipalities in the rural While forming a recreation and parks board may be the most common way Quarryville area. After 10 years of successful operation as a to provide public recreation services, it is by far not the only way. Just volunteer board, they hired a full-time director with the help of look at one of our 67 counties -- southeastern/central Lancaster County 25 25 a state grant. with its 60 rural, suburban and urban municipalities. You see how 5 boroughs, townships and a city, located side-by-side with municipal 5 § The Lancaster Recreation Commission, a borders touching, offer public recreation and parks services very municipal-school partnership, holds public 0 differently. Then take into account all 2,500+ Pennsylvania 0 recreation programs at all city and municipalities. You can imagine the wide-ranging ways our many township parks and schools. Shared use of local governments provide recreation and parks to their citizens. other facilities is common, with senior centers at churches, performing arts at This list is not comprehensive. Its intent is to show you some of the many downtown businesses, and swimming ways recreation and parks services are provided in Pennsylvania. lessons at city hotels. Only 17% of its $2 § A YMCA offers organized summer playground programs for million budget is tax-supported funding. children through a contract with Denver Borough. § The Eastern Lancaster County School District and five § The Jaycees own, operate and maintain the community park in municipalities that comprise it are developing a comprehensive Strasburg Borough. recreation, park and open space plan to determine future recreation and parks roles and services. § A volunteer advisory park board manages three East Lampeter Township park sites totaling 83 acres. § A volunteer greenway and park advisory board plans for linkages between 12 municipalities and publishes a newsletter § The Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department has about parks and recreation happenings. 20+ full-time staff and a volunteer advisory board. The township offers a full schedule of year-round public recreation programs and § The Ephrata Area Recreation Center offers community operates a golf course, indoor activities center and 13 parks recreation programs for all ages. The membership-based center totaling 327 acres, with a budget of nearly $4 million. features an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, racquetball courts, fitness center, game room, senior center, preschool § The intergovernmental Hempfield Area Recreation Commission rooms and more. The agency also maintains borough parks operates a township-owned sports complex that features indoor under a contract. 100 tennis courts, fitness center, gymnasiums, outdoor tennis stadium, 100 95 swimming pool and 18-hole golf course. It also provides § The Lancaster County Parks and Recreation Department 95 community recreation programs for its other municipal partners. employs 33 full-time staff to operate a 2,014-acre county park system, with six regional parks and two trails. Facilities include 75 75 § Churches own, operate and hire a full-time an environmental education center, outdoor swimming pool employee to maintain Lititz Springs Park. and skateboard park. 25 § A Manheim Borough park is operated and 25 Quite a list, isn't it? And it's nowhere near complete for just this 5 maintained by a youth soccer club under a lease one Pennsylvania county! 5 agreement. 0 0 13 14 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:31 PM 100 100 95 95 Local Governments Provide Recreation and Parks in Many Ways § The non-profit Southern End Community Association provides 75 recreation programs for six municipalities in the rural 75 While forming a recreation and parks board may be the most common way Quarryville area. After 10 years of successful operation as a to provide public recreation services, it is by far not the only way. Just volunteer board, they hired a full-time director with the help of look at one of our 67 counties -- southeastern/central Lancaster County 25 a state grant. with its 60 rural, suburban and urban municipalities. You see how 25 boroughs, townships and a city, located side-by-side with municipal 5 § The Lancaster Recreation Commission, a 5 borders touching, offer public recreation and parks services very municipal-school partnership, holds public differently. Then take into account all 2,500+ Pennsylvania 0 recreation programs at all city and 0 municipalities. You can imagine the wide-ranging ways our many township parks and schools. Shared use of local governments provide recreation and parks to their citizens. other facilities is common, with senior centers at churches, performing arts at This list is not comprehensive. Its intent is to show you some of the many downtown businesses, and swimming ways recreation and parks services are provided in Pennsylvania. lessons at city hotels. Only 17% of its $2 § A YMCA offers organized summer playground programs for million budget is tax-supported funding. children through a contract with Denver Borough. § The Eastern Lancaster County School District and five § The Jaycees own, operate and maintain the community park in municipalities that comprise it are developing a comprehensive Strasburg Borough. recreation, park and open space plan to determine future recreation and parks roles and services. § A volunteer advisory park board manages three East Lampeter Township park sites totaling 83 acres. § A volunteer greenway and park advisory board plans for linkages between 12 municipalities and publishes a newsletter § The Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department has about parks and recreation happenings. 20+ full-time staff and a volunteer advisory board. The township offers a full schedule of year-round public recreation programs and § The Ephrata Area Recreation Center offers community operates a golf course, indoor activities center and 13 parks recreation programs for all ages. The membership-based center totaling 327 acres, with a budget of nearly $4 million. features an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, racquetball courts, fitness center, game room, senior center, preschool § The intergovernmental Hempfield Area Recreation Commission rooms and more. The agency also maintains borough parks operates a township-owned sports complex that features indoor under a contract. tennis courts, fitness center, gymnasiums, outdoor tennis stadium, 100 100 swimming pool and 18-hole golf course. It also provides § The Lancaster County Parks and Recreation Department 95 95 community recreation programs for its other municipal partners. employs 33 full-time staff to operate a 2,014-acre county park system, with six regional parks and two trails. Facilities include 75 75 § Churches own, operate and hire a full-time an environmental education center, outdoor swimming pool employee to maintain Lititz Springs Park. and skateboard park. § A Manheim Borough park is operated and 25 Quite a list, isn't it? And it's nowhere near complete for just this 25 maintained by a youth soccer club under a lease one Pennsylvania county! 5 5 agreement. 0 0 13 14 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:31 PM 100 100 95 95 Why Should You Have a Recreation and Parks Board? Establishing a Recreation and Parks Board 75 75 Recreation and parks boards play an important role as the "watchdog" and in many cases the administrator of municipal recreation and parks When local elected officials recognize a need to provide recreation services. As a function of municipal government, the board has a services for their residents, and realize they don't have the time and 25 responsibility to review the total recreation and parks system including 25 manpower to deal with this concern, they often create recreation and the services provided by all agencies in the community, to insure that all parks boards. The state municipal codes for each unit of government 5 residents' needs are met. 5 permit municipalities to appoint recreation and parks boards, to acquire and develop park areas and facilities and to offer recreation programs. 0 A recreation and parks board benefits your community by: 0 These boards are comprised of volunteer citizens. Pennsylvania municipalities must pass an ordinance that spells out the board's title, § Being aware of the needs and viewpoints of their neighbors, numbers of members (depending on governmental unit, this may be friends and fellow citizens. They help your municipality become designated by law), powers, duties, responsibilities and organization. more customer-driven by providing ongoing public input. As the This ordinance determines the recreation and parks board's powers as eyes and ears of your community, they also know how and when either advisory or policy-making. (For a sample board ordinance see to broach a subject with residents. Appendix B.) § Selling the worth of recreation and parks to elected officials. As citizens themselves, they carry clout and political influence. Advisory Boards Elected officials listen to voters. Boards can gain financial Most recreation and parks boards in support for parks and programs and can effectively negotiate Pennsylvania are advisory and volunteer with elected officials. based, and many don't have the benefit of part-time or full-time staff. The role § Developing the recreation and parks vision of your community, of advisory boards is to advise the helping your municipality become forward thinking and municipal governing body, and the encouraging it to be proactive rather than reactive. director and staff, if any, concerning recreation and parks matters. They don't § Serving as an extension of elected officials, relieving them of have final decision-making authority. Recreation and parks advisory day-to-day operations and concerns for recreation and parks, board recommendations aren't adopted unless the board gains final especially if your community has no staff. approval from their local elected officials. § Enhancing the image and developing community pride in and Policy Boards support of your recreation and parks system. In Pennsylvania, policy-making boards have implementation powers but 100 don't have taxing authority. They receive an annual appropriation from 100 § Monitoring the public expenditures of citizen tax dollars and 95 95 their municipal partners and are responsible for policy decisions. They raising funds to supplement budgeted funds. employ and supervise the work of the director or other staff. The board 75 § Serving as a buffer between citizens and elected officials on 75 sets policy, but isn't totally separated from the governmental unit that controversial issues. created it. The governing body has control over the appointment to and removal of members from office, power of financial appropriations, 25 § Providing continuity from year to year in the operation of your authority to review budgets and review of the board's progress. 25 recreation and parks system. Throughout Pennsylvania, each community is different. The same is true 5 5 for recreation and parks boards. No recreation and parks board operates § Helping to plan and conduct recreation programs and special as strictly all policy or all advisory. Most fall somewhere in between. 0 events and involve more citizens as volunteers. 0 15 16 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:31 PM 100 100 95 95 Why Should You Have a Recreation and Parks Board? Establishing a Recreation and Parks Board 75 75 Recreation and parks boards play an important role as the "watchdog" and in many cases the administrator of municipal recreation and parks When local elected officials recognize a need to provide recreation services. As a function of municipal government, the board has a services for their residents, and realize they don't have the time and responsibility to review the total recreation and parks system including 25 manpower to deal with this concern, they often create recreation and 25 the services provided by all agencies in the community, to insure that all parks boards. The state municipal codes for each unit of government residents' needs are met. 5 permit municipalities to appoint recreation and parks boards, to acquire 5 and develop park areas and facilities and to offer recreation programs. A recreation and parks board benefits your community by: 0 These boards are comprised of volunteer citizens. Pennsylvania 0 municipalities must pass an ordinance that spells out the board's title, § Being aware of the needs and viewpoints of their neighbors, numbers of members (depending on governmental unit, this may be friends and fellow citizens. They help your municipality become designated by law), powers, duties, responsibilities and organization. more customer-driven by providing ongoing public input. As the This ordinance determines the recreation and parks board's powers as eyes and ears of your community, they also know how and when either advisory or policy-making. (For a sample board ordinance see to broach a subject with residents. Appendix B.) § Selling the worth of recreation and parks to elected officials. As citizens themselves, they carry clout and political influence. Advisory Boards Elected officials listen to voters. Boards can gain financial Most recreation and parks boards in support for parks and programs and can effectively negotiate Pennsylvania are advisory and volunteer with elected officials. based, and many don't have the benefit of part-time or full-time staff. The role § Developing the recreation and parks vision of your community, of advisory boards is to advise the helping your municipality become forward thinking and municipal governing body, and the encouraging it to be proactive rather than reactive. director and staff, if any, concerning recreation and parks matters. They don't § Serving as an extension of elected officials, relieving them of have final decision-making authority. Recreation and parks advisory day-to-day operations and concerns for recreation and parks, board recommendations aren't adopted unless the board gains final especially if your community has no staff. approval from their local elected officials. § Enhancing the image and developing community pride in and Policy Boards support of your recreation and parks system. In Pennsylvania, policy-making boards have implementation powers but 100 don't have taxing authority. They receive an annual appropriation from 100 § Monitoring the public expenditures of citizen tax dollars and 95 their municipal partners and are responsible for policy decisions. They raising funds to supplement budgeted funds. 95 employ and supervise the work of the director or other staff. The board § Serving as a buffer between citizens and elected officials on 75 sets policy, but isn't totally separated from the governmental unit that 75 controversial issues. created it. The governing body has control over the appointment to and removal of members from office, power of financial appropriations, § Providing continuity from year to year in the operation of your authority to review budgets and review of the board's progress. 25 25 recreation and parks system. Throughout Pennsylvania, each community is different. The same is true 5 for recreation and parks boards. No recreation and parks board operates § Helping to plan and conduct recreation programs and special 5 as strictly all policy or all advisory. Most fall somewhere in between. events and involve more citizens as volunteers. 0 0 15 16 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:31 PM 100 100 95 95 Two...or Five...or Ten... is Better Than One Throughout Pennsylvania, the most common partner for municipal 75 75 recreation and parks is the school district. Many Pennsylvania communities recognize that their parks aren't surrounded by walls and residents recreate outside of their An area-wide board has policy-making authority and the power to 25 municipalities. They've reached out across municipal boundaries and employ staff. The budget is shared by the participating municipalities 25 created area-wide boards with neighboring municipalities either through based on a formula agreed upon by the parties to the agreement. 5 informal handshake agreements or an 5 Municipalities determine the scope of a regional agency. It can range official intergovernmental agreement. from recreation programming to managing a swimming pool, developing 0 Pennsylvania's Intergovernmental 0 regional trails and owning a large regional park complex. Picture Cooperation Act serves as the foundation Many area-wide boards are called recreation commissions. They focus for municipalities to create an on recreation programming that serves the needs of all municipalities and intergovernmental agreement of oversee the acquisition and development of park areas for each member cooperation to form a joint recreation and municipality. Municipalities who are partners in a recreation parks board or commission. The board commission usually retain ownership of their park areas and recreation includes representatives from the facilities. They may maintain separate recreation and parks boards as participating municipalities and often school districts. well and still be a part of an area-wide recreation commission. Pennsylvania has over 50 area-wide boards or recreation commissions. The reason to establish an area-wide recreation and parks board is to If you're interested in exploring opportunities to work with neighboring assemble a tax base that can support a full-time recreation and parks municipalities, DCNR has grant money available to help. Contact your service. In rural Pennsylvania or in small municipalities that can't fund DCNR regional recreation advisor for information. the services alone, area-wide departments are a great option. Doing this allows communities to pool their resources together to develop Another way to provide recreation and parks services is for a community recreation programs and facilities and hire staff that none of them could to create an authority under the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Act, afford by themselves. It also makes addressing challenges and interests either by itself or together with other municipalities. The cooperating that cross municipal boundaries much easier. municipalities appoint authority board members. Authorities are somewhat autonomous and can employ staff. They pay their financial Often, the municipalities that make up a school district will join forces to obligations from revenues of the facilities they operate. Over 55 operate recreation and parks services together, rather than separately. recreation authorities operate in Pennsylvania. An example is the When school districts are involved, it helps to expand the use of school Meadville Area Recreation Authority in northwestern Crawford County. facilities for community recreation. Schools also offer excellent Founded in 1973, this full-service recreation agency operates a opportunities to share equipment and jointly purchase supplies. Utilizing community recreation complex that includes an ice arena, aquatic center, 100 school staff, including teachers and coaches, as recreation program 100skate park, tennis and volleyball courts, lighted ball fields and picnic 95 volunteers and instructors and promoting programs through school pavilions for its over 33,000 residents. Along with the fees generated by 95 newsletters are other important ways school districts can support the use of facilities, the City of Meadville, West Mead Township and 75 community recreation and parks. 75 Vernon Township support the recreation authority's approximately $900,000 operating budget. The oldest formal municipal-school partnership in Pennsylvania is the Lancaster Recreation Commission, founded in 1909 by the School 25 25 What Does a Recreation and Parks Board Do? District of Lancaster. Today it is jointly funded by the School District, 5 Lancaster City and Lancaster Township. Use of school facilities is at no Once a recreation and parks board is formed and its members are 5 cost to the agency, which uses all 18 school buildings year-round. appointed, the real work begins. Officers are elected and committees are 0 0 17 18 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:32 PM 100 100 95 95 Two...or Five...or Ten... is Better Than One Throughout Pennsylvania, the most common partner for municipal 75 recreation and parks is the school district. 75 Many Pennsylvania communities recognize that their parks aren't surrounded by walls and residents recreate outside of their An area-wide board has policy-making authority and the power to municipalities. They've reached out across municipal boundaries and employ staff. The budget is shared by the participating municipalities 25 25 created area-wide boards with neighboring municipalities either through based on a formula agreed upon by the parties to the agreement. informal handshake agreements or an 5 Municipalities determine the scope of a regional agency. It can range 5 official intergovernmental agreement. from recreation programming to managing a swimming pool, developing Pennsylvania's Intergovernmental 0 regional trails and owning a large regional park complex. Picture 0 Cooperation Act serves as the foundation Many area-wide boards are called recreation commissions. They focus for municipalities to create an on recreation programming that serves the needs of all municipalities and intergovernmental agreement of oversee the acquisition and development of park areas for each member cooperation to form a joint recreation and municipality. Municipalities who are partners in a recreation parks board or commission. The board commission usually retain ownership of their park areas and recreation includes representatives from the facilities. They may maintain separate recreation and parks boards as participating municipalities and often school districts. well and still be a part of an area-wide recreation commission. Pennsylvania has over 50 area-wide boards or recreation commissions. The reason to establish an area-wide recreation and parks board is to If you're interested in exploring opportunities to work with neighboring assemble a tax base that can support a full-time recreation and parks municipalities, DCNR has grant money available to help. Contact your service. In rural Pennsylvania or in small municipalities that can't fund DCNR regional recreation advisor for information. the services alone, area-wide departments are a great option. Doing this allows communities to pool their resources together to develop Another way to provide recreation and parks services is for a community recreation programs and facilities and hire staff that none of them could to create an authority under the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Act, afford by themselves. It also makes addressing challenges and interests either by itself or together with other municipalities. The cooperating that cross municipal boundaries much easier. municipalities appoint authority board members. Authorities are somewhat autonomous and can employ staff. They pay their financial Often, the municipalities that make up a school district will join forces to obligations from revenues of the facilities they operate. Over 55 operate recreation and parks services together, rather than separately. recreation authorities operate in Pennsylvania. An example is the When school districts are involved, it helps to expand the use of school Meadville Area Recreation Authority in northwestern Crawford County. facilities for community recreation. Schools also offer excellent Founded in 1973, this full-service recreation agency operates a opportunities to share equipment and jointly purchase supplies. Utilizing community recreation complex that includes an ice arena, aquatic center, school staff, including teachers and coaches, as recreation program 100 skate park, tennis and volleyball courts, lighted ball fields and picnic 100 volunteers and instructors and promoting programs through school pavilions for its over 33,000 residents. Along with the fees generated by 95 95 newsletters are other important ways school districts can support the use of facilities, the City of Meadville, West Mead Township and community recreation and parks. 75 Vernon Township support the recreation authority's approximately 75 $900,000 operating budget. The oldest formal municipal-school partnership in Pennsylvania is the Lancaster Recreation Commission, founded in 1909 by the School 25 What Does a Recreation and Parks Board Do? District of Lancaster. Today it is jointly funded by the School District, 25 Lancaster City and Lancaster Township. Use of school facilities is at no Once a recreation and parks board is formed and its members are 5 5 cost to the agency, which uses all 18 school buildings year-round. appointed, the real work begins. Officers are elected and committees are 0 0 17 18 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:32 PM 100 100 95 95 formed. Committees may include finance, property, programs, personnel community organizations, businesses, elected officials, school 75 and public relations. The constitution and by-laws are written and 75 district and government agencies. Keep elected officials up-to-date adopted. The constitution covers the board's name, purpose, duties, with progress reports and make them aware of the need for and responsibilities, membership and terms of office. The by-laws are importance of recreation and parks. 25 details concerning the operation of the board, types of meetings, 25 attendance requirements, minutes, agendas and order of business. As the § Meeting Attendance - Be 5 recreation and parks board begins its work, the first important step is for 5 committed to attending and all members to understand its overall purpose. Keeping in mind the taking an active role in all 0 constraints of the board structure, political climate and finances, its 0 meetings. purpose is to provide the best recreation and parks service possible for the community's residents. § Mission and Vision - Develop a mission and recreation and A recreation and parks board plays many important roles. To meet the parks vision and communicate expectations of your community, board members should know and them to the public. understand their responsibilities. They are: § Planning - Undertake a comprehensive recreation, park and open § Advising - Serve as a community forum to discuss new ideas, space plan to provide the structure and strategies for your programs, policies and procedures for recreation and parks. Provide community to best serve residents and develop a quality recreation advice on accepting grants, gifts, donations, personal property or and parks system. Focus on cooperative planning with neighboring real estate. municipalities whenever possible. § Employment - Conduct the search and interview process and recommend the best director candidate for part-time or full-time § Program - Set program goals. Conduct activities and special events employment by your municipality if the budget allows for this. and monitor them. Formally evaluate the director's performance on an annual basis. Help to hire seasonal employees if no director exists. § Promotion and Publicity - Promote programs and services to your community by distributing materials, interacting with residents at § Evaluation - Provide feedback on how well recreation programs are activities and special events and assisting staff in producing conducted by observing them and interacting with participants. materials by writing news releases, providing photos and artwork. Visit community parks and evaluate how well they are maintained. Assess how recreation and parks services are managed to identify § Public Relations and Communication - Serve as ambassadors for 100 accomplishments, failures and future direction. recreation and parks in your community. Support programs and 100 services, keep citizens informed about progress and enlist their help 95 § Finances - Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet needs 95 and support. Ask questions of citizens and fellow board members to and priorities. Provide input for, approve and monitor the recreation help the board grow and become more effective. 75 and parks budget. Supplement the budget through a variety of 75 methods including fund raising events, sponsorships and donations. § Recruitment, Orientation and Training - Recruit and orient new Ensure proper use of funds. Set and review program and facility board members. Understand the board's authority, structure and legal rental fees. responsibilities and be familiar with its by-laws. Join the 25 25 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society and attend meetings, 5 § Liaison - Help elected officials learn the needs and desires of your 5 training sessions and conferences to be better informed about the community. Develop cooperative relationships with citizens, recreation and parks industry. 0 0 19 20 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:32 PM 100 100 95 95 formed. Committees may include finance, property, programs, personnel community organizations, businesses, elected officials, school and public relations. The constitution and by-laws are written and 75 district and government agencies. Keep elected officials up-to-date 75 adopted. The constitution covers the board's name, purpose, duties, with progress reports and make them aware of the need for and responsibilities, membership and terms of office. The by-laws are importance of recreation and parks. details concerning the operation of the board, types of meetings, 25 25 attendance requirements, minutes, agendas and order of business. As the § Meeting Attendance - Be recreation and parks board begins its work, the first important step is for 5 committed to attending and 5 all members to understand its overall purpose. Keeping in mind the taking an active role in all constraints of the board structure, political climate and finances, its 0 meetings. 0 purpose is to provide the best recreation and parks service possible for the community's residents. § Mission and Vision - Develop a mission and recreation and A recreation and parks board plays many important roles. To meet the parks vision and communicate expectations of your community, board members should know and them to the public. understand their responsibilities. They are: § Planning - Undertake a comprehensive recreation, park and open § Advising - Serve as a community forum to discuss new ideas, space plan to provide the structure and strategies for your programs, policies and procedures for recreation and parks. Provide community to best serve residents and develop a quality recreation advice on accepting grants, gifts, donations, personal property or and parks system. Focus on cooperative planning with neighboring real estate. municipalities whenever possible. § Employment - Conduct the search and interview process and recommend the best director candidate for part-time or full-time § Program - Set program goals. Conduct activities and special events employment by your municipality if the budget allows for this. and monitor them. Formally evaluate the director's performance on an annual basis. Help to hire seasonal employees if no director exists. § Promotion and Publicity - Promote programs and services to your community by distributing materials, interacting with residents at § Evaluation - Provide feedback on how well recreation programs are activities and special events and assisting staff in producing conducted by observing them and interacting with participants. materials by writing news releases, providing photos and artwork. Visit community parks and evaluate how well they are maintained. Assess how recreation and parks services are managed to identify § Public Relations and Communication - Serve as ambassadors for accomplishments, failures and future direction. recreation and parks in your community. Support programs and 100 services, keep citizens informed about progress and enlist their help 100 § Finances - Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet needs 95 and support. Ask questions of citizens and fellow board members to 95 and priorities. Provide input for, approve and monitor the recreation help the board grow and become more effective. and parks budget. Supplement the budget through a variety of 75 75 methods including fund raising events, sponsorships and donations. § Recruitment, Orientation and Training - Recruit and orient new Ensure proper use of funds. Set and review program and facility board members. Understand the board's authority, structure and legal rental fees. responsibilities and be familiar with its by-laws. Join the 25 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society and attend meetings, 25 § Liaison - Help elected officials learn the needs and desires of your 5 training sessions and conferences to be better informed about the 5 community. Develop cooperative relationships with citizens, recreation and parks industry. 0 0 19 20 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:32 PM 100 100 95 95 How to Find the Best Board Members 75 75 § Have keen judgement and an open mind A recreation and parks board is only as good as its members! Finding, attracting and keeping effective recreation and parks board members is § Bring special skills and talents that support and 25 important to build and maintain a quality community recreation and 25 make a direct contribution to the board's work parks system. Even though the governing body of a municipality actually 5 appoints members to the recreation and parks board, the board itself can 5 § Have excellent community visibility and credibility play a key role in identifying the best people for the job. 0 0 § Represent a cross section of ages, neighborhoods and This is accomplished by first knowing the board's demographic, skill and ethnic backgrounds influence gaps. What types of people are needed to provide the greatest improvement for the board? Next, the board should develop a list of It's helpful to appoint an elected official as potential candidates looking in places like service groups, local either a member of or a liaison to the recreation universities, youth sports associations, area businesses, churches and and parks board. This keeps lines of parent-teacher organizations. The board should determine each communication open. candidate's level of interest in serving and forward the names of the best people to elected officials for their action. To keep effective board members, keep... When recruiting recreation and parks board members, look for people who: ...them busy! Give members a responsibility to perform (committee § Live in your municipality - this member, committee chair, program is a requirement assignment, public relations task). § Are friendly and people-oriented ...them informed! Send meeting minutes out in advance of meetings, with special reports and correspondence for the § Can give or raise money next meeting. § Are sensitive to the residents ...the meetings moving! Use a written agenda to keep the of your community and their needs meetings on time. 100 § Have the ability to work well with others and a sense of fairness 100 ...celebrating success! Recognize work well done and 95 95 worthwhile contributions. § Have time to give and a willingness to give it 75 75 ...thanking them! Make members feel appreciated to maintain § Have an interest in, enthusiasm for and belief in the value of their active interest and involvement. community recreation and parks 25 § Have a genuine desire to serve your community and want to 25 5 serve for the common good rather than self-interest 5 0 0 21 22 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:32 PM 100 100 95 95 How to Find the Best Board Members 75 § Have keen judgement and an open mind 75 A recreation and parks board is only as good as its members! Finding, attracting and keeping effective recreation and parks board members is § Bring special skills and talents that support and important to build and maintain a quality community recreation and 25 make a direct contribution to the board's work 25 parks system. Even though the governing body of a municipality actually appoints members to the recreation and parks board, the board itself can 5 § Have excellent community visibility and credibility 5 play a key role in identifying the best people for the job. 0 § Represent a cross section of ages, neighborhoods and 0 This is accomplished by first knowing the board's demographic, skill and ethnic backgrounds influence gaps. What types of people are needed to provide the greatest improvement for the board? Next, the board should develop a list of It's helpful to appoint an elected official as potential candidates looking in places like service groups, local either a member of or a liaison to the recreation universities, youth sports associations, area businesses, churches and and parks board. This keeps lines of parent-teacher organizations. The board should determine each communication open. candidate's level of interest in serving and forward the names of the best people to elected officials for their action. To keep effective board members, keep... When recruiting recreation and parks board members, look for people who: ...them busy! Give members a responsibility to perform (committee § Live in your municipality - this member, committee chair, program is a requirement assignment, public relations task). § Are friendly and people-oriented ...them informed! Send meeting minutes out in advance of meetings, with special reports and correspondence for the § Can give or raise money next meeting. § Are sensitive to the residents ...the meetings moving! Use a written agenda to keep the of your community and their needs meetings on time. § Have the ability to work well with others and a sense of fairness 100 ...celebrating success! Recognize work well done and 100 95 worthwhile contributions. 95 § Have time to give and a willingness to give it 75 ...thanking them! Make members feel appreciated to maintain 75 § Have an interest in, enthusiasm for and belief in the value of their active interest and involvement. community recreation and parks § Have a genuine desire to serve your community and want to 25 25 serve for the common good rather than self-interest 5 5 0 0 21 22 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:33 PM 100 100 95 95 75 Chapter Three 75 Planning needs to be a priority for your municipality to: Strengthening Recreation and Parks § Help elected officials make well-informed decisions and wisely spend tax dollars 25 Do you want to save open space? Create a park? Build more ball fields? 25 § Access grant funds and obtain your correct share of local tax 5 Construct a community center? Provide community recreation dollars for recreation and parks services 5 programs? Hire a parks and recreation director? Or, do you just want to § Evaluate your community's recreation programs and services 0 improve your recreation and parks services but don't know where or how 0 by providing benchmarks to measure against to start? § Clarify direction, have everyone working toward the same goals and prepare for the future DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional recreation § Foster collaboration and creativity and build teamwork and advisors are available to meet with you, tour your parks and give you trust among elected officials and citizens advice on all aspects of recreation and parks. Regional recreation § Assess and adjust your direction in response to our changing advisors will be the first to tell you that the recreation and parks system environment of your dreams won't happen if you don't plan. They can give you § Raise awareness of your current issues and operations information on grant sources available for planning. (See Appendix A for a list of regional offices.) The keys to successful planning are to make decisions about what needs to be done, work together to implement your decisions and then carry out Of course, you want to provide the best recreation and parks services you the plans you've made. possibly can for your residents. That means you have to work on improving and Keep this thought in mind: you can do all the planning in the world, but expanding what you without the necessary time and resources to implement the plans, not offer now. In this much will change. As long as your municipality commits to chapter we cover four implementation, recreation and parks planning is well worth its cost. key ways for you to Municipalities are involved in these six basic types of planning for strengthen community recreation and parks: community recreation and parks services: § Community comprehensive planning better planning, more § Comprehensive recreation, park and open space planning partnerships, § Park master planning 100 increased citizen 100 § Feasibility studies involvement and § Strategic planning 95 stronger community 95 § Internal operations planning 75 relations. 75 Community Comprehensive Planning Why Should You Plan? Recreation and parks is only one part of total community planning, along 25 Planning is simply gathering, organizing and using information to make 25 with other systems like public safety, transportation and public works decisions. Plans are guidelines that outline the steps to follow to reach infrastructure. A comprehensive plan establishes where recreation and 5 the goals you set. They set a path for you to get where you want to go. 5 parks fits in the big picture of your community. When undertaking a community comprehensive plan all elements of your community are 0 0 23 24 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:33 PM 100 100 95 95 Chapter Three 75 Planning needs to be a priority for your municipality to: 75 Strengthening Recreation and Parks § Help elected officials make well-informed decisions and wisely spend tax dollars Do you want to save open space? Create a park? Build more ball fields? 25 § Access grant funds and obtain your correct share of local tax 25 Construct a community center? Provide community recreation dollars for recreation and parks services 5 5 programs? Hire a parks and recreation director? Or, do you just want to § Evaluate your community's recreation programs and services improve your recreation and parks services but don't know where or how 0 by providing benchmarks to measure against 0 to start? § Clarify direction, have everyone working toward the same goals and prepare for the future DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional recreation § Foster collaboration and creativity and build teamwork and advisors are available to meet with you, tour your parks and give you trust among elected officials and citizens advice on all aspects of recreation and parks. Regional recreation § Assess and adjust your direction in response to our changing advisors will be the first to tell you that the recreation and parks system environment of your dreams won't happen if you don't plan. They can give you § Raise awareness of your current issues and operations information on grant sources available for planning. (See Appendix A for a list of regional offices.) The keys to successful planning are to make decisions about what needs to be done, work together to implement your decisions and then carry out Of course, you want to provide the best recreation and parks services you the plans you've made. possibly can for your residents. That means you have to work on improving and Keep this thought in mind: you can do all the planning in the world, but expanding what you without the necessary time and resources to implement the plans, not offer now. In this much will change. As long as your municipality commits to chapter we cover four implementation, recreation and parks planning is well worth its cost. key ways for you to Municipalities are involved in these six basic types of planning for strengthen community recreation and parks: community recreation and parks services: § Community comprehensive planning better planning, more § Comprehensive recreation, park and open space planning partnerships, § Park master planning increased citizen 100 § Feasibility studies 100 involvement and § Strategic planning stronger community 95 § Internal operations planning 95 relations. 75 Community Comprehensive Planning 75 Why Should You Plan? Recreation and parks is only one part of total community planning, along Planning is simply gathering, organizing and using information to make 25 with other systems like public safety, transportation and public works 25 decisions. Plans are guidelines that outline the steps to follow to reach infrastructure. A comprehensive plan establishes where recreation and the goals you set. They set a path for you to get where you want to go. 5 parks fits in the big picture of your community. When undertaking a 5 community comprehensive plan all elements of your community are 0 0 23 24 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:33 PM 100 100 95 95 studied, looking at the resources, needs and objectives of each service. § A listing of all the natural resource areas in your municipality 75 It's important that the comprehensive plan include a chapter on recreation 75 § Population demographics and parks. This shouldn't be just a page or two about existing parks and § The number, acreage and distribution of park areas and recreation services. You need a strong chapter with in-depth analysis and solid facilities 25 recommendations for 25 § All public, semi-public and private parks and recreation areas and improving your services. recreation programs 5 5 § Financial resources Citizen involvement is a § A needs assessment to get public input on community recreation 0 crucial part of the planning 0 and parks needs process and people must commit to work together to #2 - Recommendations to improve: make your plan successful. § Recreation programs and services For the comprehensive plan to § Maintenance stay off the shelf and not § Safety and security gather dust, there must be a § Funding sources strong commitment to § Public involvement implement it. Elected officials and recreation and parks board members § Marketing and public relations should be actively involved in the planning process from start to finish. § Staffing § Park areas, trails and recreation facilities In most areas of Pennsylvania, it is better to do community compre- § Open space, greenways and natural resource protection hensive planning by studying a regional area like the boundaries of the public school district, rather than a single municipality. Regional plans are #3 - An implementation action plan with: encouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic § Time lines Development, which provides grant funding for comprehensive plans. § Short-term and long-term priorities § Partnership opportunities Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Planning § Operating and capital costs § Potential future park sites, greenways and trails A comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan is an in-depth § A process for annual plan updates study that focuses on developing and improving your municipal recreation and parks programs, services, facilities and natural resources. It is created When it's completed, the governing body of your municipality should with significant public input and covers a number of years to give you officially adopt your plan according to the Pennsylvania Municipalities 100 guidance and direction to make decisions. Doing this plan the right way Planning Code. 100 95 is important. Don't try to do this plan on your own! It requires the hiring 95 of a consultant. DCNR provides matching funds to help cover the cost to prepare compre- hensive recreation, park and open space plans. DCNR recommends 75 75 Here are the planning steps your consultant will follow: reaching out to neighboring municipalities and developing a regional plan. Park Master Planning #1 - Inventory and analysis of existing conditions: 25 § Government structure and lines of authority for recreation and 25 When you create a new public park the best place to start is with a park 5 parks 5 master plan before you spend any time or money developing the park 0 0 25 26 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:33 PM 100 100 95 95 studied, looking at the resources, needs and objectives of each service. § A listing of all the natural resource areas in your municipality It's important that the comprehensive plan include a chapter on recreation 75 § Population demographics 75 and parks. This shouldn't be just a page or two about existing parks and § The number, acreage and distribution of park areas and recreation services. You need a strong chapter with in-depth analysis and solid facilities recommendations for 25 § All public, semi-public and private parks and recreation areas and 25 improving your services. recreation programs 5 § Financial resources 5 Citizen involvement is a § A needs assessment to get public input on community recreation crucial part of the planning 0 and parks needs 0 process and people must commit to work together to #2 - Recommendations to improve: make your plan successful. § Recreation programs and services For the comprehensive plan to § Maintenance stay off the shelf and not § Safety and security gather dust, there must be a § Funding sources strong commitment to § Public involvement implement it. Elected officials and recreation and parks board members § Marketing and public relations should be actively involved in the planning process from start to finish. § Staffing § Park areas, trails and recreation facilities In most areas of Pennsylvania, it is better to do community compre- § Open space, greenways and natural resource protection hensive planning by studying a regional area like the boundaries of the public school district, rather than a single municipality. Regional plans are #3 - An implementation action plan with: encouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic § Time lines Development, which provides grant funding for comprehensive plans. § Short-term and long-term priorities § Partnership opportunities Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Planning § Operating and capital costs § Potential future park sites, greenways and trails A comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan is an in-depth § A process for annual plan updates study that focuses on developing and improving your municipal recreation and parks programs, services, facilities and natural resources. It is created When it's completed, the governing body of your municipality should with significant public input and covers a number of years to give you officially adopt your plan according to the Pennsylvania Municipalities guidance and direction to make decisions. Doing this plan the right way 100 Planning Code. 100 is important. Don't try to do this plan on your own! It requires the hiring 95 95 of a consultant. DCNR provides matching funds to help cover the cost to prepare compre- hensive recreation, park and open space plans. DCNR recommends 75 75 Here are the planning steps your consultant will follow: reaching out to neighboring municipalities and developing a regional plan. Park Master Planning #1 - Inventory and analysis of existing conditions: § Government structure and lines of authority for recreation and 25 25 When you create a new public park the best place to start is with a park parks 5 master plan before you spend any time or money developing the park 5 0 0 25 26 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:34 PM 100 100 95 95 site. Your park master plan will determine and prioritize what facilities community recreation centers and ice-skating rinks. If your municipality 75 to place in your future park. You'll need a consultant to prepare this plan. 75 wants to renovate an existing swimming pool or community center or build a new one, this study is usually required to be eligible for DCNR As part of the park plan you'll look at how this park will fit into your grant funding. community's overall park system and existing site conditions like 25 adjacent neighbors, topography, site access, utilities and natural areas to 25 Strategic Planning 5 preserve. 5 A strategic plan can be of great 0 Involving your residents is a must! Your planning process should include 0 help to your community. This type future park neighbors and future park users and non-users. Good of plan clarifies your vision and techniques include interviewing people interested in the park, holding mission for recreation and parks, focus group meetings and community forums, and conducting an on-site encourages outlining what needs tour of your park site. These help you identify key needs, concerns, to be accomplished and establishes issues and challenges. A vision is created for your park that is put a framework to measure success. together and shared by everyone involved. A strategic plan answers three basic questions: Where are you now? Where would you like to be? How This public input is used to prepare a schematic design for your park. do you get there? The plan has a three- to five-year time frame and Based on the site's natural features, your community priorities for active provides direction so that everyone associated with your recreation and and passive recreation facilities are placed on the site. You should get parks service understands where they should be headed and what the estimated operating and maintenance costs, projected revenues, a list of steps should be to get there. needed equipment, and recommended safety and security procedures. Your consultant will prepare a time line based on your available funds You can do a strategic plan without staff and without a lot of money. that includes the costs to develop each facility. Elected officials, board Take the Southern Regional Recreation Board in York County as an members and citizens review the park's schematic design and example. This recreation board developed its vision, goals and action- adjustments are made. Your final product is a phased development plan oriented objectives at a one-day strategic planning session facilitated by a for your future park. business executive who volunteered his time to help the community. Having this plan increases your chances for public and private funding. Having a plan, though, is not enough. What counts is its implementation. Generally, to get park rehabilitation and development funds from DCNR, Once it's completed, the strategic plan should be approved by your you need a park master plan. Consider the effectiveness of your governing body and have time lines, task assignments and reporting presentation to a local bank president when your municipality can show a procedures. The true value of a strategic plan is measured by your 100 plan, clearly discuss your funding needs, and explain how the bank could 100community's improved recreation and parks services and the real be a community partner to make the park a reality. 95 95 progress made toward reaching your goals. 75 Feasibility Studies 75 Internal Operations Planning A feasibility study is completed when your community wants to explore The most effective municipal governments undertake specific plans to if a development project is viable, in terms of the cost, citizen interest 25 25 address and improve their operations. If no one on your board or staff and support, location and so on. It is a plan done ahead of time to has expertise in the operations area you want to study, then your determine whether a major expense should be made. Feasibility studies 5 5 municipality should use a specialized consultant. Often, professionals are commonly done for major capital projects like swimming pools, working in businesses such as computer companies or marketing firms 0 0 27 28 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:34 PM 100 100 95 95 site. Your park master plan will determine and prioritize what facilities community recreation centers and ice-skating rinks. If your municipality to place in your future park. You'll need a consultant to prepare this plan.75 wants to renovate an existing swimming pool or community center or 75 build a new one, this study is usually required to be eligible for DCNR As part of the park plan you'll look at how this park will fit into your grant funding. community's overall park system and existing site conditions like adjacent neighbors, topography, site access, utilities and natural areas to 25 25 Strategic Planning preserve. 5 5 A strategic plan can be of great Involving your residents is a must! Your planning process should include 0 help to your community. This type 0 future park neighbors and future park users and non-users. Good of plan clarifies your vision and techniques include interviewing people interested in the park, holding mission for recreation and parks, focus group meetings and community forums, and conducting an on-site encourages outlining what needs tour of your park site. These help you identify key needs, concerns, to be accomplished and establishes issues and challenges. A vision is created for your park that is put a framework to measure success. together and shared by everyone involved. A strategic plan answers three basic questions: Where are you now? Where would you like to be? How This public input is used to prepare a schematic design for your park. do you get there? The plan has a three- to five-year time frame and Based on the site's natural features, your community priorities for active provides direction so that everyone associated with your recreation and and passive recreation facilities are placed on the site. You should get parks service understands where they should be headed and what the estimated operating and maintenance costs, projected revenues, a list of steps should be to get there. needed equipment, and recommended safety and security procedures. Your consultant will prepare a time line based on your available funds You can do a strategic plan without staff and without a lot of money. that includes the costs to develop each facility. Elected officials, board Take the Southern Regional Recreation Board in York County as an members and citizens review the park's schematic design and example. This recreation board developed its vision, goals and action- adjustments are made. Your final product is a phased development plan oriented objectives at a one-day strategic planning session facilitated by a for your future park. business executive who volunteered his time to help the community. Having this plan increases your chances for public and private funding. Having a plan, though, is not enough. What counts is its implementation. Generally, to get park rehabilitation and development funds from DCNR, Once it's completed, the strategic plan should be approved by your you need a park master plan. Consider the effectiveness of your governing body and have time lines, task assignments and reporting presentation to a local bank president when your municipality can show a procedures. The true value of a strategic plan is measured by your plan, clearly discuss your funding needs, and explain how the bank could 100 community's improved recreation and parks services and the real 100 be a community partner to make the park a reality. 95 progress made toward reaching your goals. 95 Feasibility Studies 75 Internal Operations Planning 75 A feasibility study is completed when your community wants to explore The most effective municipal governments undertake specific plans to if a development project is viable, in terms of the cost, citizen interest 25 address and improve their operations. If no one on your board or staff and support, location and so on. It is a plan done ahead of time to 25 has expertise in the operations area you want to study, then your determine whether a major expense should be made. Feasibility studies 5 municipality should use a specialized consultant. Often, professionals are commonly done for major capital projects like swimming pools, 5 working in businesses such as computer companies or marketing firms 0 0 27 28 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:34 PM 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 29n Monday, April 21, 2003 1:48:06 PM 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 30 Monday, April 21, 2003 12:21:43 PM 100 100 95 95 Types of Recreation and Parks Partnerships Strengthening Recreation and Parks by Involving Citizens 75 75 Facility Use - Many municipalities want to offer new recreation programs Volunteering can be an exciting, growing and enjoyable experience. In but don't have the facilities to do so. Shared use of facilities, such as fact, it's a form of recreation for many people. As a recreation and parks 25 schools, churches, YMCAs and fitness clubs allows this to happen. volunteer it's gratifying to see the benefits residents derive from parks 25 and programs and know you helped to make them happen. When you 5 Grants - Grants are easier to get when a number of partners are involved 5 volunteer in recreation and parks, you feel a stake in and take pride in in your project. For instance, developing a park with your school district your community. You also develop a real understanding of what 0 strengthens your grant application. 0 recreation and parks is and how it improves the quality of life in your community. Planning - Joint planning by municipalities is becoming more common. Your recreation and parks services are strengthened in a number of Pooling financial resources can greatly enhance the scope of projects and important ways when you involve more residents. First of all you get likelihood of plan implementation. more help, and you always need more help! You get more work done in less time at no cost. That's never a bad thing. No recreation and parks Programming - Cooperative recreation programs and special events may service ever has enough money to do its job right. Most important improve activities by increased volunteers, money, supplies, promotion though, when it's budget time you'll have residents who value recreation and more. and parks and will support providing funds to keep it intact and even expand your services. Publications - Printing of brochures, shared space in newsletters, joint recreation program guides with other departments, and mailing recreation Involving citizens as volunteers in recreation and parks isn't as easy as it program guides with school newsletters, are all good examples of sounds. It's important to look at what your citizens are being asked to do, effective publications partnerships. make it manageable, attractive and enjoyable, and provide them with help. Purchasing Agreements - Joint purchasing allows equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased at a lower cost, because it increases the size Knowing why people will get and stay involved is the first step to of the orders. First aid supplies, sports equipment, gasoline, paper and increasing public involvement. To get their loyalty, interest and best office supplies are common items that municipalities may purchase efforts, volunteers need: together for recreation and parks services. § To be heard § A feeling of accomplishment § A sense of belonging § To be praised Sponsorships - Special events and § Fair treatment § To know what is expected of them recreation programs offer 100 opportunities for municipalities to 100 95 work with businesses to obtain 95 financial support in exchange for How To Find Volunteers 75 visibility. 75 Believe it or not, you've got to work to find volunteers! They won't just walk in your door. Your municipality should actively pursue these types Training - Many municipalities don't of volunteer activities because they lend themselves well to recreation and have the finances to bring in an 25 25 parks work: outside expert to train board members 5 and staff. When you join together 5 § Student community service - schools mandating that students with other municipalities you can afford to do this. complete a certain number of hours of community service work 0 0 31 32 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:35 PM 100 100 95 95 Types of Recreation and Parks Partnerships Strengthening Recreation and Parks by Involving Citizens 75 75 Facility Use - Many municipalities want to offer new recreation programs Volunteering can be an exciting, growing and enjoyable experience. In but don't have the facilities to do so. Shared use of facilities, such as fact, it's a form of recreation for many people. As a recreation and parks schools, churches, YMCAs and fitness clubs allows this to happen. volunteer it's gratifying to see the benefits residents derive from parks 25 and programs and know you helped to make them happen. When you 25 Grants - Grants are easier to get when a number of partners are involved 5 volunteer in recreation and parks, you feel a stake in and take pride in 5 in your project. For instance, developing a park with your school district your community. You also develop a real understanding of what strengthens your grant application. 0 recreation and parks is and how it improves the quality of life in your 0 community. Planning - Joint planning by municipalities is becoming more common. Your recreation and parks services are strengthened in a number of Pooling financial resources can greatly enhance the scope of projects and important ways when you involve more residents. First of all you get likelihood of plan implementation. more help, and you always need more help! You get more work done in less time at no cost. That's never a bad thing. No recreation and parks Programming - Cooperative recreation programs and special events may service ever has enough money to do its job right. Most important improve activities by increased volunteers, money, supplies, promotion though, when it's budget time you'll have residents who value recreation and more. and parks and will support providing funds to keep it intact and even expand your services. Publications - Printing of brochures, shared space in newsletters, joint recreation program guides with other departments, and mailing recreation Involving citizens as volunteers in recreation and parks isn't as easy as it program guides with school newsletters, are all good examples of sounds. It's important to look at what your citizens are being asked to do, effective publications partnerships. make it manageable, attractive and enjoyable, and provide them with help. Purchasing Agreements - Joint purchasing allows equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased at a lower cost, because it increases the size Knowing why people will get and stay involved is the first step to of the orders. First aid supplies, sports equipment, gasoline, paper and increasing public involvement. To get their loyalty, interest and best office supplies are common items that municipalities may purchase efforts, volunteers need: together for recreation and parks services. § To be heard § A feeling of accomplishment § A sense of belonging § To be praised Sponsorships - Special events and § Fair treatment § To know what is expected of them recreation programs offer opportunities for municipalities to 100 100 work with businesses to obtain 95 95 financial support in exchange for How To Find Volunteers visibility. 75 Believe it or not, you've got to work to find volunteers! They won't just 75 walk in your door. Your municipality should actively pursue these types Training - Many municipalities don't of volunteer activities because they lend themselves well to recreation and have the finances to bring in an 25 parks work: outside expert to train board members 25 and staff. When you join together 5 § Student community service - schools mandating that students 5 with other municipalities you can afford to do this. complete a certain number of hours of community service work 0 0 31 32 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:35 PM 100 100 95 95 § One-day opportunities - such as the United Way's Day of Caring 5. The word "volunteer" may repel as often as it attracts. Use 75 § Creative student involvement - utilizing classes, clubs and sports 75 vocabulary that your citizens relate to. This may be "community teams as volunteers service," "being a good neighbor," or "joining in." Also, don't § Short-term assignments - projects that have a start and a finish say: "We need volunteers." Advertise that you need tutors or 25 § Family volunteering - putting family units to work together 25 coaches or graphic designers. Focus on the work and use § Corporate volunteers - businesses mandating employee "volunteer" as a descriptor, not a title. 5 volunteering 5 § Virtual volunteering - the volunteers are real, but the service is 6. Don't try to minimize the work a volunteer will do. A challenge 0 done on-line, via e-mail and other Internet capabilities (research 0 can be more appealing than the sense any warm body will do. projects, surveying, designing web pages, translating flyers, Don't be apologetic. You're offering people an opportunity, not mentoring teenagers and more) asking a favor. § Adult recreation and friendship opportunities - projects where people 7. Make certain that when volunteers call you can put them to work. will work with others and have a chance to make friends who share the Keep in mind that although you're not paying them a salary, volunteers same interests aren't free. It takes money and staff time to recruit, reward, train and supervise volunteers. Strategies to Get Residents Involved Stronger Community Relations = Stronger Recreation and Parks 1. Design meaningful volunteer projects or assignments that have the potential to attract the kind of volunteers you most want. Providing community recreation and parks services requires money, even Your ability to recruit the types of volunteers you want is directly if your municipality has no staff to pay. Tax dollars support one of connected to what you're asking people to do as volunteers. Pennsylvania's largest agencies, the Philadelphia Recreation Department, Have a variety of volunteer opportunities available so that your and one of its smallest, the Bedford Area Parks and Recreation Board. residents can test the water with you. Community recreation and parks is a citizen service funded in some way by tax dollars. The support of your residents who pay these taxes is 2. After volunteer work design, the second most important part of essential to maintain your current level of service and to recruitment is creativity in deciding where to look for volunteers. increase it. To obtain this support, your municipality Only go to sources with the potential to have the types of needs to work on building a positive image and candidates you most want. For each area where you need help, increasing the public's awareness of your recreation and brainstorm new, creative places to seek qualified volunteers. parks services. Without grassroots community support, 100 successful recreation programming, in particular, is very 100 95 3. Set a goal of a certain number of outreach efforts each month. 95 difficult to sustain. Pay attention to the overall look of your print materials and 75 always leave something behind when you speak or visit. 75 Your reputation in your community is built over time, in Develop recruitment materials that match the places you're most every aspect of what you do. likely to find good candidates. If your municipality has a web 25 site, make sure it highlights volunteer opportunities. Improving the Image of Recreation and Parks Services 25 5 4. If you want someone as a volunteer, ask him or her directly! 5 Does your community have an "image?" What do your residents think As with so many other things in life, if you don't ask, you about recreation and parks? If your parks are poorly maintained, what 0 won't get. 0 33 34 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:35 PM 100 100 95 95 § One-day opportunities - such as the United Way's Day of Caring 5. The word "volunteer" may repel as often as it attracts. Use § Creative student involvement - utilizing classes, clubs and sports 75 vocabulary that your citizens relate to. This may be "community 75 teams as volunteers service," "being a good neighbor," or "joining in." Also, don't § Short-term assignments - projects that have a start and a finish say: "We need volunteers." Advertise that you need tutors or § Family volunteering - putting family units to work together 25 coaches or graphic designers. Focus on the work and use 25 § Corporate volunteers - businesses mandating employee "volunteer" as a descriptor, not a title. volunteering 5 5 § Virtual volunteering - the volunteers are real, but the service is 6. Don't try to minimize the work a volunteer will do. A challenge done on-line, via e-mail and other Internet capabilities (research 0 can be more appealing than the sense any warm body will do. 0 projects, surveying, designing web pages, translating flyers, Don't be apologetic. You're offering people an opportunity, not mentoring teenagers and more) asking a favor. § Adult recreation and friendship opportunities - projects where people 7. Make certain that when volunteers call you can put them to work. will work with others and have a chance to make friends who share the Keep in mind that although you're not paying them a salary, volunteers same interests aren't free. It takes money and staff time to recruit, reward, train and supervise volunteers. Strategies to Get Residents Involved Stronger Community Relations = Stronger Recreation and Parks 1. Design meaningful volunteer projects or assignments that have the potential to attract the kind of volunteers you most want. Providing community recreation and parks services requires money, even Your ability to recruit the types of volunteers you want is directly if your municipality has no staff to pay. Tax dollars support one of connected to what you're asking people to do as volunteers. Pennsylvania's largest agencies, the Philadelphia Recreation Department, Have a variety of volunteer opportunities available so that your and one of its smallest, the Bedford Area Parks and Recreation Board. residents can test the water with you. Community recreation and parks is a citizen service funded in some way by tax dollars. The support of your residents who pay these taxes is 2. After volunteer work design, the second most important part of essential to maintain your current level of service and to recruitment is creativity in deciding where to look for volunteers. increase it. To obtain this support, your municipality Only go to sources with the potential to have the types of needs to work on building a positive image and candidates you most want. For each area where you need help, increasing the public's awareness of your recreation and brainstorm new, creative places to seek qualified volunteers. parks services. Without grassroots community support, 100 successful recreation programming, in particular, is very 100 3. Set a goal of a certain number of outreach efforts each month. 95 difficult to sustain. 95 Pay attention to the overall look of your print materials and always leave something behind when you speak or visit. 75 Your reputation in your community is built over time, in 75 Develop recruitment materials that match the places you're most every aspect of what you do. likely to find good candidates. If your municipality has a web site, make sure it highlights volunteer opportunities. Improving the Image of Recreation and Parks Services 25 25 4. If you want someone as a volunteer, ask him or her directly! 5 Does your community have an "image?" What do your residents think 5 As with so many other things in life, if you don't ask, you about recreation and parks? If your parks are poorly maintained, what won't get. 0 0 33 34 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:36 PM 100 100 95 95 type of message are you sending? What response do you think your facilities with a logo helps to build that identity and makes citizens realize 75 residents will have when your municipality requests additional funds to 75 whose facility or program they are in. acquire more parkland? Building a Base of Supportive Citizens Images are built on people's perceptions, which can be changed. 25 Sometimes people have formed an image of your services based on little 25 As far as government services are concerned, recreation and parks is a 5 or no information at all. Enhancing the image of recreation and parks 5 citizen-centered, positive one. Recreation doesn't dig streets up, plow requires the involvement of everyone: driveways in after the snow has been shoveled or give out speeding 0 0 tickets. It's easy to develop community support for recreation and parks § The board member who sets goals and develops plans since your services are where residents play, relax and enjoy life. § The custodian who prepares the all-purpose room for your evening dance classes Support for your recreation and parks services depends on the public's use § The receptionist who makes sure that all questions about your of them. Elected officials support services when they see that an active programs are answered cheerfully and accurately constituency exists for them. To strengthen your base of support, your § The instructors who conduct your programs recreation and parks services need to serve more people. A first step § The maintenance worker who cuts the grass at your parks might be to recruit interested citizens and form a recreation and parks § The volunteer serving food at a banquet board. § The participants who report by word-of-mouth their experiences at your parks and in your programs to others Here are ways to build a supportive base of citizens who value recreation and parks: The first step in improving your community's recreation and parks image is for key leaders to hold a candid discussion where everyone has the Serve More People opportunity to state what they think the image currently is. What do § Extend a helping hand to youth sports groups, especially in the residents, community leaders and elected officials really think about your areas of promotion, securing playing fields and training coaches. recreation and parks services? If you asked people to pick a word or Develop area-wide sports leagues in sports no one currently phrase to describe them, what would they say? What important services offers or add special events to get people into your parks. and programs are offered that define your community's reputation? To improve your image, it's necessary to know exactly what it currently is. § Spend time and resources to Then elected officials, board members, staff and volunteers need to reach out to hard-to-reach decide what they want the image to be, and to influence people's citizens. It's important to not perceptions of your services in positive ways. just serve those residents who are 100 100 inclined to join your programs or The best people to start word-of-mouth enhancement of your image are 95 95 visit your parks. your elected officials, board members, staff and volunteers. Making 75 statements to neighbors and friends such as "things are changing for the 75 § Seek partnerships with other better," "this or that new program is fantastic," and "it's a great place to agencies and work on building work" go a long way toward improving your image. alliances with community groups and businesses. 25 Developing a logo is an easy step that all municipalities should take. All 25 of your recreation and parks services need to be tied together with 5 5 § Develop a strong series of recreation programs that people take identification. Marking park signs, program flyers and recreation part in, hear about, read about and know about. Successful 0 0 35 36 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:36 PM 100 100 95 95 type of message are you sending? What response do you think your facilities with a logo helps to build that identity and makes citizens realize residents will have when your municipality requests additional funds to 75 whose facility or program they are in. 75 acquire more parkland? Building a Base of Supportive Citizens Images are built on people's perceptions, which can be changed. Sometimes people have formed an image of your services based on little 25 25 As far as government services are concerned, recreation and parks is a or no information at all. Enhancing the image of recreation and parks 5 citizen-centered, positive one. Recreation doesn't dig streets up, plow 5 requires the involvement of everyone: driveways in after the snow has been shoveled or give out speeding 0 tickets. It's easy to develop community support for recreation and parks 0 § The board member who sets goals and develops plans since your services are where residents play, relax and enjoy life. § The custodian who prepares the all-purpose room for your evening dance classes Support for your recreation and parks services depends on the public's use § The receptionist who makes sure that all questions about your of them. Elected officials support services when they see that an active programs are answered cheerfully and accurately constituency exists for them. To strengthen your base of support, your § The instructors who conduct your programs recreation and parks services need to serve more people. A first step § The maintenance worker who cuts the grass at your parks might be to recruit interested citizens and form a recreation and parks § The volunteer serving food at a banquet board. § The participants who report by word-of-mouth their experiences at your parks and in your programs to others Here are ways to build a supportive base of citizens who value recreation and parks: The first step in improving your community's recreation and parks image is for key leaders to hold a candid discussion where everyone has the Serve More People opportunity to state what they think the image currently is. What do § Extend a helping hand to youth sports groups, especially in the residents, community leaders and elected officials really think about your areas of promotion, securing playing fields and training coaches. recreation and parks services? If you asked people to pick a word or Develop area-wide sports leagues in sports no one currently phrase to describe them, what would they say? What important services offers or add special events to get people into your parks. and programs are offered that define your community's reputation? To improve your image, it's necessary to know exactly what it currently is. § Spend time and resources to Then elected officials, board members, staff and volunteers need to reach out to hard-to-reach decide what they want the image to be, and to influence people's citizens. It's important to not perceptions of your services in positive ways. just serve those residents who are 100 inclined to join your programs or 100 The best people to start word-of-mouth enhancement of your image are 95 visit your parks. your elected officials, board members, staff and volunteers. Making 95 statements to neighbors and friends such as "things are changing for the 75 § Seek partnerships with other 75 better," "this or that new program is fantastic," and "it's a great place to agencies and work on building work" go a long way toward improving your image. alliances with community groups and businesses. Developing a logo is an easy step that all municipalities should take. All 25 25 of your recreation and parks services need to be tied together with 5 § Develop a strong series of recreation programs that people take identification. Marking park signs, program flyers and recreation 5 part in, hear about, read about and know about. Successful 0 0 35 36 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:36 PM 100 100 95 95 programs create satisfied citizens and satisfied citizens tell their Be Active and Visible in Your Community 75 neighbors, families and friends about your great services. 75 § Elected officials, board and staff members should become members of service clubs, school parent-teacher organizations, Keep Your Park Areas and Recreation Facilities Well Maintained boy and girl scout councils and so on. This is a great way to get 25 § Show the public that you care about making their stay in the 25 to know your community while the community gets to know parks comfortable and enjoyable by keeping restrooms clean, about your services. 5 litter picked up, grass cut, weeds pulled and trees trimmed. 5 § Generate as much positive publicity as possible. Get in the local 0 Become More Marketing-Oriented 0 newspaper, on the radio and on the television to promote your § Focus on the desires and needs of potential participants parks and programs. whenever decisions are made about your services, programs, prices, facilities, location, scheduling and promotion. § Allow elected officials to be the spokespersons and get them in the newspaper photographs when the media is present at your § Define your services in terms of the benefits customers seek, not special events or programs. Politicians like positive publicity, in terms of providing facilities, services or programs. List the and recreation and parks can provide it better and more often benefits of involvement in your programs and services so that than any other government service. your promotional material is created with these benefits in mind. Through their involvement, it's important that your citizens come § Avoid controversy at all costs. The media can have a field day to understand the value of recreation and parks services. Tell with it and the rumor mill in any community can be very them through written material what that value is. Citizens will destructive. support what they value and communicate their support to your Develop a Caring Philosophy elected officials. § Hire staff and recruit board members who are nice people, who care about people. Surrounding your municipality with nice § Spend time identifying what your citizens want by asking them. people goes a long way toward improving its image in the community. § Be very responsive to your citizens' questions, complaints and problems. Create a climate where citizens are encouraged to § Treat everyone with the same degree of courtesy, friendliness contact your municipality when they have a concern. Ask for a and kindness. Make people feel good about their involvement in chance to correct the situation recreation and parks. before complaints are taken to a Keep Political Leaders Informed public meeting and address § Whenever possible, involve them in recreation activities and get 100 what's wrong within a day or 100 them out to your parks and programs. Give them a volunteer job two. Prompt response gives you alongside other citizens. Elected officials cannot fully support 95 an image of putting citizens first. 95 what they've never seen or don't understand. 75 Be honest and own up to 75 mistakes if you've made them. § Share thank you notes and praises given to your municipality with elected officials. Others will see that your recreation and § Ask for participants' opinions on a regular basis. People's parks services are appreciated. 25 opinions provide valuable information on what your community 25 5 thinks about recreation and parks and will help you understand 5 its current image. 0 0 37 38 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:36 PM 100 100 95 95 programs create satisfied citizens and satisfied citizens tell their Be Active and Visible in Your Community neighbors, families and friends about your great services. 75 § Elected officials, board and staff members should become 75 members of service clubs, school parent-teacher organizations, Keep Your Park Areas and Recreation Facilities Well Maintained boy and girl scout councils and so on. This is a great way to get § Show the public that you care about making their stay in the 25 to know your community while the community gets to know 25 parks comfortable and enjoyable by keeping restrooms clean, about your services. litter picked up, grass cut, weeds pulled and trees trimmed. 5 5 § Generate as much positive publicity as possible. Get in the local Become More Marketing-Oriented 0 newspaper, on the radio and on the television to promote your 0 § Focus on the desires and needs of potential participants parks and programs. whenever decisions are made about your services, programs, prices, facilities, location, scheduling and promotion. § Allow elected officials to be the spokespersons and get them in the newspaper photographs when the media is present at your § Define your services in terms of the benefits customers seek, not special events or programs. Politicians like positive publicity, in terms of providing facilities, services or programs. List the and recreation and parks can provide it better and more often benefits of involvement in your programs and services so that than any other government service. your promotional material is created with these benefits in mind. Through their involvement, it's important that your citizens come § Avoid controversy at all costs. The media can have a field day to understand the value of recreation and parks services. Tell with it and the rumor mill in any community can be very them through written material what that value is. Citizens will destructive. support what they value and communicate their support to your Develop a Caring Philosophy elected officials. § Hire staff and recruit board members who are nice people, who care about people. Surrounding your municipality with nice § Spend time identifying what your citizens want by asking them. people goes a long way toward improving its image in the community. § Be very responsive to your citizens' questions, complaints and problems. Create a climate where citizens are encouraged to § Treat everyone with the same degree of courtesy, friendliness contact your municipality when they have a concern. Ask for a and kindness. Make people feel good about their involvement in chance to correct the situation recreation and parks. before complaints are taken to a Keep Political Leaders Informed public meeting and address § Whenever possible, involve them in recreation activities and get what's wrong within a day or 100 them out to your parks and programs. Give them a volunteer job 100 two. Prompt response gives you alongside other citizens. Elected officials cannot fully support an image of putting citizens first. 95 95 what they've never seen or don't understand. Be honest and own up to 75 75 mistakes if you've made them. § Share thank you notes and praises given to your municipality with elected officials. Others will see that your recreation and § Ask for participants' opinions on a regular basis. People's parks services are appreciated. opinions provide valuable information on what your community 25 25 thinks about recreation and parks and will help you understand 5 5 its current image. 0 0 37 38 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:36 PM 100 100 95 95 Become Involved in PRPS 75 § This service to the profession reflects well on your local 75 Chapter Four community and offers you many benefits. Administering Recreation and Parks 25 Effective Recreation and Parks Services Are Action-Oriented 25 Contrary to what most people might think, what sounds like just "fun and 5 On a daily basis, elected officials and community leaders deal with lots games" is, in fact, a real profession. It takes people with a multitude of 5 of problems. Economic development, crime, school drop-outs, youth skills to successfully provide recreation and parks services to 0 violence, low rates of home ownership, rising taxes, declining downtown 0 Pennsylvania communities. It isn't as easy business sections and struggling families are on the problem lists of as it sounds! many Pennsylvania communities, small and large. It doesn't matter if you're a full-time Your community should consider how increased recreation and parks recreation and parks director, a municipal services can be part of the solution to problems like these. Your manager with this as part of your recreation and parks programs and services can help. responsibilities or a volunteer board chair. It doesn't matter how small or large your Making recreation and parks a part of the solution to your community's community is. To best serve your citizens, problems isn't difficult. Your municipality can do this by offering family- whoever is in charge of recreation and oriented community celebrations like summer street fairs and holiday tree parks should be creative, resourceful, able to handle multiple projects and lighting ceremonies, expanding the number of lower-cost recreation able to work well and get along with all types of people. programs for children, offering school age child care, opening your school gyms in the evening, partnering with juvenile justice agencies, In this chapter, we cover the range of knowledge needed to oversee promoting your downtown area with special events and much more. community recreation and parks services: acquiring, designing and Your municipality can join task forces and committees that focus on developing park areas and recreation facilities, offering recreation community needs. program opportunities, serving all residents regardless of ability or disability, ensuring people's safety and maintaining resources. We show Overall, elected officials and citizens need to be convinced that you the many ways to finance recreation and parks services, how to staff recreation and parks services are as much a key to a safer community as them and the important role of public relations and service marketing. increased police services. Showing what it can You need money, people power and effective ways to inform and involve mean to your community to have an effective the public to make your services most successful. recreation and parks service means getting out 100 of the business of offering only traditional 100Financing Recreation and Parks 95 recreation programming and into new services 95 that your community needs. Almost everything that's needed to provide public recreation and parks services requires money. This money can come from many different 75 75 Take the Centre Region Parks and Recreation sources. Department in Centre County for example. In a unique government- business partnership, this department led the way to make a skate park Tax Support - In Pennsylvania, the majority of funding for recreation and 25 facility a reality for its citizens. Government funds and private 25 parks comes from the municipal general fund that's supported primarily 5 contributions financed the $50,000 cost of construction. The skate park by taxes. Recreation and parks must compete with every other municipal 5 itself was built on privately-owned land and is operated by the Tussey service for tax dollars. To get a fair share of your local dollars, it's 0 Mountain Family Fun Center. 0 necessary to budget well and provide services efficiently. 39 40 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:37 PM 100 100 95 95 Become Involved in PRPS § This service to the profession reflects well on your local 75 Chapter Four 75 community and offers you many benefits. Administering Recreation and Parks Effective Recreation and Parks Services Are Action-Oriented 25 Contrary to what most people might think, what sounds like just "fun and 25 On a daily basis, elected officials and community leaders deal with lots games" is, in fact, a real profession. It takes people with a multitude of 5 5 of problems. Economic development, crime, school drop-outs, youth skills to successfully provide recreation and parks services to violence, low rates of home ownership, rising taxes, declining downtown 0 Pennsylvania communities. It isn't as easy 0 business sections and struggling families are on the problem lists of as it sounds! many Pennsylvania communities, small and large. It doesn't matter if you're a full-time Your community should consider how increased recreation and parks recreation and parks director, a municipal services can be part of the solution to problems like these. Your manager with this as part of your recreation and parks programs and services can help. responsibilities or a volunteer board chair. It doesn't matter how small or large your Making recreation and parks a part of the solution to your community's community is. To best serve your citizens, problems isn't difficult. Your municipality can do this by offering family- whoever is in charge of recreation and oriented community celebrations like summer street fairs and holiday tree parks should be creative, resourceful, able to handle multiple projects and lighting ceremonies, expanding the number of lower-cost recreation able to work well and get along with all types of people. programs for children, offering school age child care, opening your school gyms in the evening, partnering with juvenile justice agencies, In this chapter, we cover the range of knowledge needed to oversee promoting your downtown area with special events and much more. community recreation and parks services: acquiring, designing and Your municipality can join task forces and committees that focus on developing park areas and recreation facilities, offering recreation community needs. program opportunities, serving all residents regardless of ability or disability, ensuring people's safety and maintaining resources. We show Overall, elected officials and citizens need to be convinced that you the many ways to finance recreation and parks services, how to staff recreation and parks services are as much a key to a safer community as them and the important role of public relations and service marketing. increased police services. Showing what it can You need money, people power and effective ways to inform and involve mean to your community to have an effective the public to make your services most successful. recreation and parks service means getting out of the business of offering only traditional 100 Financing Recreation and Parks 100 recreation programming and into new services 95 95 that your community needs. Almost everything that's needed to provide public recreation and parks services requires money. This money can come from many different 75 75 Take the Centre Region Parks and Recreation sources. Department in Centre County for example. In a unique government- business partnership, this department led the way to make a skate park Tax Support - In Pennsylvania, the majority of funding for recreation and facility a reality for its citizens. Government funds and private 25 parks comes from the municipal general fund that's supported primarily 25 contributions financed the $50,000 cost of construction. The skate park by taxes. Recreation and parks must compete with every other municipal 5 5 itself was built on privately-owned land and is operated by the Tussey service for tax dollars. To get a fair share of your local dollars, it's Mountain Family Fun Center. 0 necessary to budget well and provide services efficiently. 0 39 40 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:37 PM 100 100 95 95 Bonds - Often, financing the purchase of land or the construction of a Municipalities often charge higher fees for non-resident use of 75 major recreation facility can't be done using current revenue resources. 75 community recreation facilities and programs. The basis for this Municipalities issue long-term debt to finance capital projects. Bonds are difference in fees is that residents have paid taxes for these services but promissory notes that spread the cost of large-scale capital projects over a non-residents have not. If municipalities accept state or federal funds for 25 number of years. The money, plus interest, is repaid to the bondholders 25 facility construction or improvements, the fees charged to non-residents over a specified time period. The two types of bonds used by the public may not exceed twice that charged to residents. 5 sector are general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. 5 Fees and Charges Benefit Your Municipality By: 0 Concessions - Concession operations can provide a substantial revenue 0 source for your municipality. Concessions sell or rent merchandise or § Offsetting Operation and Maintenance Costs - When funding provide special services like bait shops, refreshment stands or golf from other sources can't be increased, fees can help you keep lessons. Municipalities may manage concessions themselves or let a pace with rising operation and maintenance costs. Also, if community group who wants to raise funds do it. When Pennsylvania funding from other sources decreases, fees can provide a municipalities want to provide services but can't afford to, another minimum amount of revenue to maintain necessary services that alternative is for private contractors to establish businesses within public otherwise you would eliminate. park systems. This can still generate revenues for your municipality and provide services for citizens, while at the same time it creates profit- § Expanding Services and Facilities - Fees can help your making situations for private enterprise. Examples of concessions are municipality develop new facilities and offer new recreation golf course pro shops, public horseback riding facilities, boat rental areas programs that are responsive to the changing needs of your and community swimming pool community. Sometimes, fees may be the only way to finance snack bars. The land, and in some proposed expansion. cases the actual facilities, are publicly owned. The municipality § Funding Specialized Opportunities - Through fees, the support maintains control over some aspects for specialized recreation opportunities comes from the user of the private operations such as rather than the general tax dollar, giving your municipality the rates charged and operating hours. funds to help justify providing the opportunities. Facilities like swimming pools, golf courses and ice rinks are good examples. Fees and Charges - Fees and charges play a big role in financing public recreation and parks services in Pennsylvania. Municipal taxes should § Controlling Facility Use - Fees can help control the numbers of support providing basic recreation for all citizens like parks and people who use a facility, increase security through admission playgrounds. However, to charge all citizens through municipal taxes for areas, and promote respect for your services which will help 100 special activities or facilities when only some take advantage of them is 100 decrease vandalism. often considered unfair. With the increasing strain on municipal budgets 95 for public services, the use of fees and charges is a practical technique for 95 § Projecting an Image of Fiscal Responsibility - Fees help project 75 maintaining and expanding your recreation system. The construction of 75 the image of a municipality that manages its revenues and specialized recreation facilities like ice rinks, swimming pools, golf resources well and provides services on an equitable basis. courses and community centers is in part justified by fees collected from participants. Most recreation programs can be financed on a break-even § Projecting an Image of Quality - Residents perceive recreation 25 basis through fees paid by participants. Types of fees are: entrance fees 25 programs are of better quality and have more value when a fee is 5 to facilities, admission fees to performances, rental fees for building use, 5 charged. Fees can actually increase program participation versus sales of merchandise, permit fees for picnic pavilions and registration programs that are free. 0 fees for recreation programs. 0 41 42 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:37 PM 100 100 95 95 Bonds - Often, financing the purchase of land or the construction of a Municipalities often charge higher fees for non-resident use of major recreation facility can't be done using current revenue resources. 75 community recreation facilities and programs. The basis for this 75 Municipalities issue long-term debt to finance capital projects. Bonds are difference in fees is that residents have paid taxes for these services but promissory notes that spread the cost of large-scale capital projects over a non-residents have not. If municipalities accept state or federal funds for number of years. The money, plus interest, is repaid to the bondholders 25 facility construction or improvements, the fees charged to non-residents 25 over a specified time period. The two types of bonds used by the public may not exceed twice that charged to residents. sector are general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. 5 5 Fees and Charges Benefit Your Municipality By: Concessions - Concession operations can provide a substantial revenue 0 0 source for your municipality. Concessions sell or rent merchandise or § Offsetting Operation and Maintenance Costs - When funding provide special services like bait shops, refreshment stands or golf from other sources can't be increased, fees can help you keep lessons. Municipalities may manage concessions themselves or let a pace with rising operation and maintenance costs. Also, if community group who wants to raise funds do it. When Pennsylvania funding from other sources decreases, fees can provide a municipalities want to provide services but can't afford to, another minimum amount of revenue to maintain necessary services that alternative is for private contractors to establish businesses within public otherwise you would eliminate. park systems. This can still generate revenues for your municipality and provide services for citizens, while at the same time it creates profit- § Expanding Services and Facilities - Fees can help your making situations for private enterprise. Examples of concessions are municipality develop new facilities and offer new recreation golf course pro shops, public horseback riding facilities, boat rental areas programs that are responsive to the changing needs of your and community swimming pool community. Sometimes, fees may be the only way to finance snack bars. The land, and in some proposed expansion. cases the actual facilities, are publicly owned. The municipality § Funding Specialized Opportunities - Through fees, the support maintains control over some aspects for specialized recreation opportunities comes from the user of the private operations such as rather than the general tax dollar, giving your municipality the rates charged and operating hours. funds to help justify providing the opportunities. Facilities like swimming pools, golf courses and ice rinks are good examples. Fees and Charges - Fees and charges play a big role in financing public recreation and parks services in Pennsylvania. Municipal taxes should § Controlling Facility Use - Fees can help control the numbers of support providing basic recreation for all citizens like parks and people who use a facility, increase security through admission playgrounds. However, to charge all citizens through municipal taxes for areas, and promote respect for your services which will help special activities or facilities when only some take advantage of them is 100 decrease vandalism. 100 often considered unfair. With the increasing strain on municipal budgets for public services, the use of fees and charges is a practical technique for 95 95 § Projecting an Image of Fiscal Responsibility - Fees help project maintaining and expanding your recreation system. The construction of 75 the image of a municipality that manages its revenues and 75 specialized recreation facilities like ice rinks, swimming pools, golf resources well and provides services on an equitable basis. courses and community centers is in part justified by fees collected from participants. Most recreation programs can be financed on a break-even § Projecting an Image of Quality - Residents perceive recreation basis through fees paid by participants. Types of fees are: entrance fees 25 programs are of better quality and have more value when a fee is 25 to facilities, admission fees to performances, rental fees for building use, 5 charged. Fees can actually increase program participation versus 5 sales of merchandise, permit fees for picnic pavilions and registration programs that are free. fees for recreation programs. 0 0 41 42 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:37 PM 100 100 95 95 Gifts and Donations - It isn't uncommon for an individual, business or Parkland Acquisition 75 foundation to donate major gifts of land or money for recreation and 75 parks purposes. Many of Pennsylvania's public parks have been named Municipalities acquire public parkland in a variety of ways. They after their benefactors. Donated funds aren't something municipalities include: 25 can rely on to support operations, but don't overlook them as a way to 25 help finance capital projects. Purchasing Property - The municipality and seller negotiate and agree on 5 5 a price. Techniques are often used to close the sale, such as: Business Sponsorship - Conducting recreation programs and special 0 events underwritten by business sponsors requires organization and 0 § Option to buy, which gives a municipality the right to purchase planning. Corporations most often support athletic programs, cultural and the property with no other competition until a set date, allowing performing arts programs, special events and capital projects. Funds them time to raise money for the acquisition and line up support. should be solicited from local businesses since they have a vested interest in your community. Businesses want to know exactly what you want § Retention, which allows the seller to occupy the property for a from them and what you'll offer them in return for their contribution. set period of time after selling. Different levels of sponsorships, each with appropriate levels of visibility and involvement, are offered to businesses in return for their financial § Life estates, which investment. allows the seller to occupy the property Grant Programs - Government grants most often finance the planning, for the rest of their acquisition and development of recreation and park areas and facilities. lives. Pennsylvania has responded to decreasing federal support by establishing its own funding sources to provide financial assistance to local § Bargain sale, when municipalities for capital projects. (For information on DCNR's sellers reduce the Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program see Appendix D.) price of a property There's also government and private foundation funding available for below fair market programs and projects that address social concerns like youth at-risk, the value because of tax advantages they may receive. elderly, health issues, people with disabilities and fitness and wellness. For municipalities to secure these types of grants, it's best to partner with § Transfer, when one agency purchases a property and then other community agencies. transfers it to another. The Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land often hold land until it can be transferred to a public Membership Dues - Membership dues are used in recreation and parks to agency. 100 offset a facility's operating costs. Examples are season passes sold for 100 95 swimming pools or yearly memberships to a community center. 95 Mandatory Dedication - This practice requires land developers to dedicate part of their development's open space or pay fees for public 75 Fund Raising - Recreation and parks fund raising takes many forms. It's 75 park purposes. Giving approval for residential development increases the used to fund everything from recreation programs to buying a van to demand for recreation lands, while at the same time, diminishes the capital construction projects. Boys and girls sell candy and cookies to supply. With sufficient planning, mandatory dedication can be a reliable help fund a basketball league, older adults hold raffles to support their method of financing needed recreation facilities. Municipalities should 25 club and capital campaigns help fund community center construction. 25 have an adopted recreation plan and pass an ordinance that meets 5 Fund raising requires planning and coordination, whether your financial 5 requirements listed in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. goal is small or large. 0 0 43 44 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:37 PM 100 100 95 95 Gifts and Donations - It isn't uncommon for an individual, business or Parkland Acquisition foundation to donate major gifts of land or money for recreation and 75 75 parks purposes. Many of Pennsylvania's public parks have been named Municipalities acquire public parkland in a variety of ways. They after their benefactors. Donated funds aren't something municipalities include: can rely on to support operations, but don't overlook them as a way to 25 25 help finance capital projects. Purchasing Property - The municipality and seller negotiate and agree on 5 a price. Techniques are often used to close the sale, such as: 5 Business Sponsorship - Conducting recreation programs and special events underwritten by business sponsors requires organization and 0 § Option to buy, which gives a municipality the right to purchase 0 planning. Corporations most often support athletic programs, cultural and the property with no other competition until a set date, allowing performing arts programs, special events and capital projects. Funds them time to raise money for the acquisition and line up support. should be solicited from local businesses since they have a vested interest in your community. Businesses want to know exactly what you want § Retention, which allows the seller to occupy the property for a from them and what you'll offer them in return for their contribution. set period of time after selling. Different levels of sponsorships, each with appropriate levels of visibility and involvement, are offered to businesses in return for their financial § Life estates, which investment. allows the seller to occupy the property Grant Programs - Government grants most often finance the planning, for the rest of their acquisition and development of recreation and park areas and facilities. lives. Pennsylvania has responded to decreasing federal support by establishing its own funding sources to provide financial assistance to local § Bargain sale, when municipalities for capital projects. (For information on DCNR's sellers reduce the Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program see Appendix D.) price of a property There's also government and private foundation funding available for below fair market programs and projects that address social concerns like youth at-risk, the value because of tax advantages they may receive. elderly, health issues, people with disabilities and fitness and wellness. For municipalities to secure these types of grants, it's best to partner with § Transfer, when one agency purchases a property and then other community agencies. transfers it to another. The Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land often hold land until it can be transferred to a public Membership Dues - Membership dues are used in recreation and parks to agency. offset a facility's operating costs. Examples are season passes sold for 100 100 swimming pools or yearly memberships to a community center. 95 Mandatory Dedication - This practice requires land developers to 95 dedicate part of their development's open space or pay fees for public Fund Raising - Recreation and parks fund raising takes many forms. It's 75 park purposes. Giving approval for residential development increases the 75 used to fund everything from recreation programs to buying a van to demand for recreation lands, while at the same time, diminishes the capital construction projects. Boys and girls sell candy and cookies to supply. With sufficient planning, mandatory dedication can be a reliable help fund a basketball league, older adults hold raffles to support their method of financing needed recreation facilities. Municipalities should club and capital campaigns help fund community center construction. 25 have an adopted recreation plan and pass an ordinance that meets 25 Fund raising requires planning and coordination, whether your financial 5 requirements listed in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. 5 goal is small or large. 0 0 43 44 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:38 PM 100 100 95 95 Eminent Domain or Condemnation - Municipalities can acquire property are necessary. The most important element is determining what 75 from an unwilling seller when the acquisition and use of the property is 75 recreation areas and facilities your community's residents need of greater public benefit than the continued private ownership of the and desire. The park's design is driven by the recreation land. A certified independent appraiser determines the price of the programs to be conducted there. Getting real citizen input is property. This technique is usually employed as a last resort. 25 25 essential. Surveys, interviews, focus groups and public meetings are all good ways to find out what people want. Meetings 5 Easements - These give municipalities the right to use someone's land for 5 should be held with adjoining property owners to answer their a specific purpose. Trails often rely on easements to pass through private questions and concerns about the proposed park early in the 0 property. Easements can be written on a permanent basis or for a set 0 planning process. period of time. § Design - Once you determine the elements you'd like to see in Leases - This is a common way to acquire use of land or buildings for a the park, a landscape architect designs the park. Because of the specific period of time. Long-term leases between a municipality and major financial expense of developing a park, it's essential for property owner are usually acceptable to receive state funds for property the designers to get all relevant information about the programs improvements. These are defined as 25 years or the life expectancy of and services planned for the park. This input is important to the facility. avoid facilities that "don't work." When designing park areas and recreation facilities, keeping future maintenance costs low Gifts - Property gifts are a donation from the owner to a municipality. should be a high priority. For example, when planning outdoor The owner receives a tax write-off for the value of the property. facilities it's best to design: - Plant beds for easier mowing Park Planning, Design and Development - Grass areas where grass can and will grow best - Walkways where the public will walk Park planning isn't limited to only park area and recreation facility - Simply, without a cluttered appearance design and development; it's an ongoing, dynamic process of conceiving - All utilities for ease of maintenance and providing recreation experiences. Effective park planners are - Spacing of trees and shrubs for natural growth experience directed, not development directed. Park § Development - After the park plan is approved the landscape facilities provide only the setting architect creates bidding documents, which are written for recreation experiences for specifications and plans for construction of the park. Your citizens. municipality then advertises and receives bids for the construction work. Generally, municipalities must accept the 100 Creating a park takes place in 100 lowest responsible bid. Once construction begins, the landscape three phases: architect can act as your project manager or your municipality 95 95 can assign a staff person to do this. It's very important to have a 75 § Pre-design - The park is 75 knowledgeable, readily available project manager. described in terms of the land's physical The Importance of Maintenance characteristics and the experiences that will take place there. 25 Each activity to be provided is carefully analyzed for the type 25 Park maintenance is a wise use of municipal funds. If your community 5 and extent of development that's required, and what programs, 5 doesn't intend to maintain a park area or recreation facility, why build it? operations and maintenance personnel, facilities and services Continued neglect of park areas and recreation facilities causes them to 0 0 45 46 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:38 PM 100 100 95 95 Eminent Domain or Condemnation - Municipalities can acquire property are necessary. The most important element is determining what from an unwilling seller when the acquisition and use of the property is 75 recreation areas and facilities your community's residents need 75 of greater public benefit than the continued private ownership of the and desire. The park's design is driven by the recreation land. A certified independent appraiser determines the price of the programs to be conducted there. Getting real citizen input is property. This technique is usually employed as a last resort. 25 essential. Surveys, interviews, focus groups and public meetings 25 are all good ways to find out what people want. Meetings Easements - These give municipalities the right to use someone's land for 5 should be held with adjoining property owners to answer their 5 a specific purpose. Trails often rely on easements to pass through private questions and concerns about the proposed park early in the property. Easements can be written on a permanent basis or for a set 0 planning process. 0 period of time. § Design - Once you determine the elements you'd like to see in Leases - This is a common way to acquire use of land or buildings for a the park, a landscape architect designs the park. Because of the specific period of time. Long-term leases between a municipality and major financial expense of developing a park, it's essential for property owner are usually acceptable to receive state funds for property the designers to get all relevant information about the programs improvements. These are defined as 25 years or the life expectancy of and services planned for the park. This input is important to the facility. avoid facilities that "don't work." When designing park areas and recreation facilities, keeping future maintenance costs low Gifts - Property gifts are a donation from the owner to a municipality. should be a high priority. For example, when planning outdoor The owner receives a tax write-off for the value of the property. facilities it's best to design: - Plant beds for easier mowing Park Planning, Design and Development - Grass areas where grass can and will grow best - Walkways where the public will walk Park planning isn't limited to only park area and recreation facility - Simply, without a cluttered appearance design and development; it's an ongoing, dynamic process of conceiving - All utilities for ease of maintenance and providing recreation experiences. Effective park planners are - Spacing of trees and shrubs for natural growth experience directed, not development directed. Park § Development - After the park plan is approved the landscape facilities provide only the setting architect creates bidding documents, which are written for recreation experiences for specifications and plans for construction of the park. Your citizens. municipality then advertises and receives bids for the construction work. Generally, municipalities must accept the Creating a park takes place in 100 lowest responsible bid. Once construction begins, the landscape 100 three phases: architect can act as your project manager or your municipality 95 can assign a staff person to do this. It's very important to have a 95 § Pre-design - The park is 75 knowledgeable, readily available project manager. 75 described in terms of the land's physical The Importance of Maintenance characteristics and the experiences that will take place there. Each activity to be provided is carefully analyzed for the type 25 Park maintenance is a wise use of municipal funds. If your community 25 and extent of development that's required, and what programs, 5 doesn't intend to maintain a park area or recreation facility, why build it? 5 operations and maintenance personnel, facilities and services Continued neglect of park areas and recreation facilities causes them to 0 0 45 46 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:38 PM 100 100 95 95 deteriorate to the point where they are unsafe for citizens. If this happens primary importance and there is a minimum of facility development. 75 people won't use your facilities and repair won't be possible without large 75 Examples are primitive campsites, wetlands and forests. This type of expenditures of time, money and manpower. physical resource requires less in the way of maintenance, but more attention in terms of protection from overuse and visitor impacts. 25 Maintenance is activities that are completed to retain an area, facility or 25 Generally, facility development within natural areas is spread among a piece of equipment in an acceptable condition. With proper maintenance, large acreage of land in order to minimize visitor impact and to protect 5 recreation facilities and park areas last longer and are more useful. 5 and preserve sensitive land and water areas. Maintenance involves: 0 0 The Role of Maintenance Planning § Routine, regularly scheduled tasks to keep an area in good shape such as mowing grass, periodic inspections, lining athletic A good municipal park maintenance program can include use of a single fields, weeding and watering flower beds park custodian, a roving crew or a reporting system using specialized § Preventive repairs such as routine replacement to forestall personnel. However, the most important elements are planning and excessive wear and expensive repair scheduling. It doesn't matter how big or small your operation is; a § Daily custodial and housekeeping functions such as cleaning planned maintenance program assures the degree of safety, use and restrooms, emptying trash cans, vacuuming or mopping floors appearance residents deserve. Scheduling maintenance work consists of § Hauling and set-up, tear-down and clean-up for recreation using a written checklist of tasks and fitting jobs into a daily format that programs is flexible enough to be revised when the weather, staff and equipment § Steps taken to prepare areas for active use at the beginning and to changes. Preventive maintenance means performing periodic close them down at the end of each season maintenance tasks and making minor repairs and adjustments with an eye § Scheduled improvements such as repairing a backstop, replacing toward reducing future maintenance costs. a roof and painting a room § Emergency repairs that are generally the result of vandalism, Maintenance plans should be written down. accidents, weather damage and other unpredictable occurrences If knowledge of how the work gets done is kept within the heads of maintenance staff, The goal of recreation and parks maintenance is to provide clean, it'll never work as well as it should. safe and attractive areas and facilities for public use. Efficient and Preparation of written plans gives park effective recreation and parks maintenance operations: managers the information they need to assign jobs and determine priorities. To § Enhance people's recreation experiences develop a maintenance plan: § Save money 100 § Reduce liability 100 1. Involve employees to get their complete understanding and § Improve public image support. They should work with their park managers. 95 § Foster environmental stewardship 95 75 75 2. Inventory the resources to maintain. Determine how many Developed recreation areas like buildings, swimming pools and golf thousands of square feet of turf, the total building space, the courses require a high degree of maintenance, continuous supervision and number of rest rooms, etc. management. 25 25 3. Develop a standard for each of the resources. The standard is a It's okay to leave some areas in their natural state. Undeveloped 5 5 short description of what the resource should look like when the recreation areas are open space sites where the natural environment is of maintenance has been completed. 0 0 47 48 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:38 PM 100 100 95 95 deteriorate to the point where they are unsafe for citizens. If this happens primary importance and there is a minimum of facility development. people won't use your facilities and repair won't be possible without large 75 Examples are primitive campsites, wetlands and forests. This type of 75 expenditures of time, money and manpower. physical resource requires less in the way of maintenance, but more attention in terms of protection from overuse and visitor impacts. Maintenance is activities that are completed to retain an area, facility or 25 Generally, facility development within natural areas is spread among a 25 piece of equipment in an acceptable condition. With proper maintenance, large acreage of land in order to minimize visitor impact and to protect recreation facilities and park areas last longer and are more useful. 5 and preserve sensitive land and water areas. 5 Maintenance involves: 0 The Role of Maintenance Planning 0 § Routine, regularly scheduled tasks to keep an area in good shape such as mowing grass, periodic inspections, lining athletic A good municipal park maintenance program can include use of a single fields, weeding and watering flower beds park custodian, a roving crew or a reporting system using specialized § Preventive repairs such as routine replacement to forestall personnel. However, the most important elements are planning and excessive wear and expensive repair scheduling. It doesn't matter how big or small your operation is; a § Daily custodial and housekeeping functions such as cleaning planned maintenance program assures the degree of safety, use and restrooms, emptying trash cans, vacuuming or mopping floors appearance residents deserve. Scheduling maintenance work consists of § Hauling and set-up, tear-down and clean-up for recreation using a written checklist of tasks and fitting jobs into a daily format that programs is flexible enough to be revised when the weather, staff and equipment § Steps taken to prepare areas for active use at the beginning and to changes. Preventive maintenance means performing periodic close them down at the end of each season maintenance tasks and making minor repairs and adjustments with an eye § Scheduled improvements such as repairing a backstop, replacing toward reducing future maintenance costs. a roof and painting a room § Emergency repairs that are generally the result of vandalism, Maintenance plans should be written down. accidents, weather damage and other unpredictable occurrences If knowledge of how the work gets done is kept within the heads of maintenance staff, The goal of recreation and parks maintenance is to provide clean, it'll never work as well as it should. safe and attractive areas and facilities for public use. Efficient and Preparation of written plans gives park effective recreation and parks maintenance operations: managers the information they need to assign jobs and determine priorities. To § Enhance people's recreation experiences develop a maintenance plan: § Save money § Reduce liability 100 1. Involve employees to get their complete understanding and 100 § Improve public image support. They should work with their park managers. § Foster environmental stewardship 95 95 75 2. Inventory the resources to maintain. Determine how many 75 Developed recreation areas like buildings, swimming pools and golf thousands of square feet of turf, the total building space, the courses require a high degree of maintenance, continuous supervision and number of rest rooms, etc. management. 25 3. Develop a standard for each of the resources. The standard is a 25 It's okay to leave some areas in their natural state. Undeveloped 5 short description of what the resource should look like when the 5 recreation areas are open space sites where the natural environment is of maintenance has been completed. 0 0 47 48 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:39 PM 100 100 95 95 4. List tasks to perform so that the resources are maintained up to maintenance job done, carefully consider the advantages and 75 standards. Describe tasks in enough detail so that anyone would 75 disadvantages of in-house work versus contracting out. Potential cost know how to perform them. savings isn't the only item to consider. 25 5. Determine the amount of time it takes to do each task. 25 Safety and the Role of Risk Management 5 6. Decide how often to do each task. Is the turf to be mowed once 5 All Pennsylvania municipalities share a common desire to provide the a week or once every two weeks? Are the restrooms to be safest recreation and parks areas and facilities possible for citizens, staff 0 cleaned daily or only two times a week? The frequency 0 and volunteers. Actively practicing risk management is the best way to determines in large part the quality and cost of maintenance. do this. 7. Schedule tasks into an operational plan after you know "Risk" is the possibility of suffering harm from a hazard that can cause: what to maintain, where it's located, what tasks to do (including the staff and equipment involved), how long it will take to do the § Personal injury or death to participants tasks, and how frequently to do them. Divide up the tasks and § Property damage, economic loss or environmental damage to develop a schedule for each person or crew. your municipality 8. Implement and monitor the work schedules so that adjustments Risk management is the process of making your park areas and recreation can be made when needed. Have the workers keep track of how facilities safer by conducting and documenting routine safety inspections, long it takes to do each task and have the supervisor monitor the having procedures in place to correct problems and performing the quality of maintenance. necessary work promptly. A municipal recreation and parks risk management plan doesn't need to be complex, but it should cover the Some municipal recreation and parks range of recreation programs, services and facilities your municipality services depend on the public works offers. department for maintenance. When public works is in charge of park First, you should know what your recreation facility or park area should maintenance, resources are more look like in its proper condition. Then each component of the area needs consolidated. Equipment can be used to be thoroughly examined. For a baseball field, that would include items for multiple tasks and staff that plows like the spectator bleachers, team benches, safety fencing, backstop, snow in the winter can mow grass in infield, outfield and warm-up areas. the summer. Problems arise when public works does its own work first 100 and leaves park maintenance as an afterthought. When this happens What is actually there is compared against the standards of acceptable 100 95 there's no systematic routine maintenance and no preventive 95 condition for each component. For each difference that's noted, you need maintenance. It's important that the public works staff be educated about to make a "so what?" determination. In other words, is it really a 75 the value of park maintenance and that it be made a priority. 75 problem or not? Does it need to be fixed or can it be lived with safely? Park maintenance can be contracted out. When you contract out, you're It pays to implement risk management to: not hiring and supervising the staff or purchasing and maintaining 25 equipment. However, you do lose direct control of work performance, 25 § Enhance recreational experiences for citizens 5 you may be unable to respond to problems quickly, and you spend extra 5 § Protect and conserve municipal assets time administering the contract. When deciding how to get a § Make operations more effective and efficient 0 0 49 50 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:39 PM 100 100 95 95 4. List tasks to perform so that the resources are maintained up to maintenance job done, carefully consider the advantages and standards. Describe tasks in enough detail so that anyone would 75 disadvantages of in-house work versus contracting out. Potential cost 75 know how to perform them. savings isn't the only item to consider. 5. Determine the amount of time it takes to do each task. 25 Safety and the Role of Risk Management 25 6. Decide how often to do each task. Is the turf to be mowed once 5 All Pennsylvania municipalities share a common desire to provide the 5 a week or once every two weeks? Are the restrooms to be safest recreation and parks areas and facilities possible for citizens, staff cleaned daily or only two times a week? The frequency 0 and volunteers. Actively practicing risk management is the best way to 0 determines in large part the quality and cost of maintenance. do this. 7. Schedule tasks into an operational plan after you know "Risk" is the possibility of suffering harm from a hazard that can cause: what to maintain, where it's located, what tasks to do (including the staff and equipment involved), how long it will take to do the § Personal injury or death to participants tasks, and how frequently to do them. Divide up the tasks and § Property damage, economic loss or environmental damage to develop a schedule for each person or crew. your municipality 8. Implement and monitor the work schedules so that adjustments Risk management is the process of making your park areas and recreation can be made when needed. Have the workers keep track of how facilities safer by conducting and documenting routine safety inspections, long it takes to do each task and have the supervisor monitor the having procedures in place to correct problems and performing the quality of maintenance. necessary work promptly. A municipal recreation and parks risk management plan doesn't need to be complex, but it should cover the Some municipal recreation and parks range of recreation programs, services and facilities your municipality services depend on the public works offers. department for maintenance. When public works is in charge of park First, you should know what your recreation facility or park area should maintenance, resources are more look like in its proper condition. Then each component of the area needs consolidated. Equipment can be used to be thoroughly examined. For a baseball field, that would include items for multiple tasks and staff that plows like the spectator bleachers, team benches, safety fencing, backstop, snow in the winter can mow grass in infield, outfield and warm-up areas. the summer. Problems arise when public works does its own work first and leaves park maintenance as an afterthought. When this happens 100 What is actually there is compared against the standards of acceptable 100 there's no systematic routine maintenance and no preventive 95 condition for each component. For each difference that's noted, you need 95 maintenance. It's important that the public works staff be educated about to make a "so what?" determination. In other words, is it really a the value of park maintenance and that it be made a priority. 75 problem or not? Does it need to be fixed or can it be lived with safely? 75 Park maintenance can be contracted out. When you contract out, you're It pays to implement risk management to: not hiring and supervising the staff or purchasing and maintaining equipment. However, you do lose direct control of work performance, 25 § Enhance recreational experiences for citizens 25 you may be unable to respond to problems quickly, and you spend extra 5 § Protect and conserve municipal assets 5 time administering the contract. When deciding how to get a § Make operations more effective and efficient 0 0 49 50 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:39 PM 100 100 95 95 § Protect the public from harm § Can't deny a person with a disability the opportunity to serve on 75 § Cut down on the number of 75 a planning or advisory board accidents and injuries § Must make telephone systems usable by people with hearing § Stay out of court impairments 25 § Have a better prepared defense if 25 § Must make new recreation facilities completely accessible sued § Must operate every program and service within an existing 5 5 facility so that they're accessible to and usable by people with It's important to your municipal general disabilities 0 liability carrier that you reduce risk. 0 They can send out a loss control specialist to review your facilities, Two important concepts in understanding the ADA rules are the terms programs and employee safety policies and procedures. The insurance "reasonable accommodation" and "undue burden." company does this to determine your risk exposures and offer ways to limit the possibility of liability claims. A reasonable accommodation is anything that allows people with disabilities to fully use and enjoy recreation and parks services, programs Basic Risk Management Principles and facilities. Examples are changing procedures to enable a person with a disability to participate in recreation programs or providing auxiliary § Do routine written safety inspections of all areas and facilities aids to effectively communicate with people with hearing, speech or § Decide what needs to be fixed and do the work quickly to reduce vision impairments. If the barrier is architectural, reasonable the number and severity of possible injuries to people accommodations include moving the recreation program to an accessible § Eliminate hazards when possible site, providing similar services at an accessible site, redesigning § Warn users about hazards and explain how to remain safe, equipment, and altering existing or building new facilities. Public placing warning signs near hazards to prevent accidents, not recreation and parks agencies should adopt a philosophy of inclusion prohibit activities which values the involvement of all people, and promote that § Be aware of the types of injuries likely to happen accommodations will be made so that all may participate. § Provide directions for aid as a precaution Accommodations don't need to be made when it poses an undue burden on a local government. Courts have defined undue burden to include: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 § A fundamental alteration in the nature of the service or program. Commonly referred to as the ADA, this civil rights law is intended to This includes massive change that endangers the program's eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in those aspects viability or jeopardizes the effectiveness of the program, a major 100 of life necessary for them to become productive citizens. 100 restructuring of the agency or the creation of a new program. 95 95 The ADA affects community recreation and parks services in a number § Economic hardship, including the cost of the accommodation, 75 of important ways. Overall, local governments: the number of people to benefit and the lack of available funds. 75 § Significant administrative difficulty, including how difficult it is § Can't deny a person with a disability the opportunity to to make the accommodation, the number of employees it takes participate in or benefit from services available for people 25 25 to make the accommodation, and whether employees involved without disabilities with the accommodation are taken away from other important 5 § Can't discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities 5 duties. in any employment action 0 0 51 52 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:39 PM 100 100 95 95 § Protect the public from harm § Can't deny a person with a disability the opportunity to serve on § Cut down on the number of 75 a planning or advisory board 75 accidents and injuries § Must make telephone systems usable by people with hearing § Stay out of court impairments § Have a better prepared defense if 25 § Must make new recreation facilities completely accessible 25 sued § Must operate every program and service within an existing 5 facility so that they're accessible to and usable by people with 5 It's important to your municipal general disabilities liability carrier that you reduce risk. 0 0 They can send out a loss control specialist to review your facilities, Two important concepts in understanding the ADA rules are the terms programs and employee safety policies and procedures. The insurance "reasonable accommodation" and "undue burden." company does this to determine your risk exposures and offer ways to limit the possibility of liability claims. A reasonable accommodation is anything that allows people with disabilities to fully use and enjoy recreation and parks services, programs Basic Risk Management Principles and facilities. Examples are changing procedures to enable a person with a disability to participate in recreation programs or providing auxiliary § Do routine written safety inspections of all areas and facilities aids to effectively communicate with people with hearing, speech or § Decide what needs to be fixed and do the work quickly to reduce vision impairments. If the barrier is architectural, reasonable the number and severity of possible injuries to people accommodations include moving the recreation program to an accessible § Eliminate hazards when possible site, providing similar services at an accessible site, redesigning § Warn users about hazards and explain how to remain safe, equipment, and altering existing or building new facilities. Public placing warning signs near hazards to prevent accidents, not recreation and parks agencies should adopt a philosophy of inclusion prohibit activities which values the involvement of all people, and promote that § Be aware of the types of injuries likely to happen accommodations will be made so that all may participate. § Provide directions for aid as a precaution Accommodations don't need to be made when it poses an undue burden on a local government. Courts have defined undue burden to include: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 § A fundamental alteration in the nature of the service or program. Commonly referred to as the ADA, this civil rights law is intended to This includes massive change that endangers the program's eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in those aspects viability or jeopardizes the effectiveness of the program, a major of life necessary for them to become productive citizens. 100 restructuring of the agency or the creation of a new program. 100 95 95 The ADA affects community recreation and parks services in a number § Economic hardship, including the cost of the accommodation, of important ways. Overall, local governments: the number of people to benefit and the lack of available funds. 75 75 § Significant administrative difficulty, including how difficult it is § Can't deny a person with a disability the opportunity to to make the accommodation, the number of employees it takes participate in or benefit from services available for people 25 to make the accommodation, and whether employees involved without disabilities 25 with the accommodation are taken away from other important § Can't discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities 5 duties. 5 in any employment action 0 0 51 52 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:40 PM 100 100 95 95 Recreation Programming Community Recreation Programs 101 75 75 A "How to" Course Outline for Beginners What makes up a community recreation program? What types of programs do residents want? How can a community be sure that its 1. Planning to Meet Community Needs programs provide worthwhile recreational experiences for citizens? Why 25 25 § Determine your community's recreation needs by provide recreation programs at all? conducting a citizen survey and analyzing the recreation 5 5 opportunities that are currently available for citizens These are important questions. Municipalities generally understand and 0 accept that providing public parkland is an important role for them. Less § Establish which recreation needs your municipality will meet 0 understood is the role municipalities play in providing public recreation § Analyze and decide what recreation programs will meet those programs. Developing and maintaining public parks is a drain on the recreation needs general fund budget. Recreation programs are not. Programs generate § Determine what resources are needed to offer the recreation revenue to support the costs to offer them. In many cases, they can bring programs you've selected such as: facilities, funding, staff, in additional funds to help your municipality offer other services. volunteers and maintenance help Recreation programs also bring people into your parks to enjoy them. § Select the recreation programs you want to offer Recreation programming is the process of planning to create opportunities . 2 Organizing to Offer Recreation Programs for people to engage in recreation experiences. Planning is the key word! § Select leadership to conduct the recreation programs § Develop schedule for the programs with number of days and When planning municipal recreation programs, it's important to coordinate weeks, day(s) of the week, and time(s) of day they will be held activities among all of your community's recreation providers and offer § Determine facility availability and make arrangements for use programs to meet the needs of all ages and interests. The most important § Consider supplies and equipment needed and place part of making your recreation programs successful though, is the orders grassroots involvement of your citizens. § Establish how much it will cost to hold the programs by doing an expense and revenue budget Recreation is not just sports! Many communities in Pennsylvania still § Decide what participants will be charged to take recreation think having a youth baseball program is plenty of recreation for their programs and how many are needed to break even on costs citizens. Guess what? It's not! Listed here are the major categories of § Promote programs and invite participants community recreation programs and some program examples. § Determine how you will get feedback from participants and have forms printed Aquatics: Swimming lessons, swim team, scuba diving § Plan ahead for safety, first aid and accidents Arts and Crafts: Drawing, painting, ceramics 100 100 § Register the recreation program participants Educational: Volunteering, computer classes, pre-retirement planning § Implement and supervise the programs 95 Fitness and Wellness: Weight training, aerobics, yoga 95 Outdoor Recreation: Archery, orienteering, cross-country skiing 3. Evaluating Success 75 Performing Arts: Dance, theater, puppetry 75 § Have staff and participants fill out evaluation forms after Social Recreation: Dances, cards, preschool events recreation programs are over Special Events: Festivals, fairs, parades § Assess staff and participant satisfaction and the bottom-line 25 Sports, Games and Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, softball financial figures 25 § Summarize evaluation results and provide 5 5 recommendations for recreation program adjustments and improvements 0 0 53 54 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:40 PM 100 100 95 95 Recreation Programming Community Recreation Programs 101 75 A "How to" Course Outline for Beginners 75 What makes up a community recreation program? What types of programs do residents want? How can a community be sure that its 1. Planning to Meet Community Needs programs provide worthwhile recreational experiences for citizens? Why 25 § Determine your community's recreation needs by provide recreation programs at all? 25 conducting a citizen survey and analyzing the recreation 5 opportunities that are currently available for citizens 5 These are important questions. Municipalities generally understand and accept that providing public parkland is an important role for them. Less § Establish which recreation needs your municipality will meet 0 0 understood is the role municipalities play in providing public recreation § Analyze and decide what recreation programs will meet those programs. Developing and maintaining public parks is a drain on the recreation needs general fund budget. Recreation programs are not. Programs generate § Determine what resources are needed to offer the recreation revenue to support the costs to offer them. In many cases, they can bring programs you've selected such as: facilities, funding, staff, in additional funds to help your municipality offer other services. volunteers and maintenance help Recreation programs also bring people into your parks to enjoy them. § Select the recreation programs you want to offer Recreation programming is the process of planning to create opportunities . 2 Organizing to Offer Recreation Programs for people to engage in recreation experiences. Planning is the key word! § Select leadership to conduct the recreation programs § Develop schedule for the programs with number of days and When planning municipal recreation programs, it's important to coordinate weeks, day(s) of the week, and time(s) of day they will be held activities among all of your community's recreation providers and offer § Determine facility availability and make arrangements for use programs to meet the needs of all ages and interests. The most important § Consider supplies and equipment needed and place part of making your recreation programs successful though, is the orders grassroots involvement of your citizens. § Establish how much it will cost to hold the programs by doing an expense and revenue budget Recreation is not just sports! Many communities in Pennsylvania still § Decide what participants will be charged to take recreation think having a youth baseball program is plenty of recreation for their programs and how many are needed to break even on costs citizens. Guess what? It's not! Listed here are the major categories of § Promote programs and invite participants community recreation programs and some program examples. § Determine how you will get feedback from participants and have forms printed Aquatics: Swimming lessons, swim team, scuba diving § Plan ahead for safety, first aid and accidents Arts and Crafts: Drawing, painting, ceramics 100 § Register the recreation program participants Educational: Volunteering, computer classes, pre-retirement planning 100 § Implement and supervise the programs Fitness and Wellness: Weight training, aerobics, yoga 95 95 Outdoor Recreation: Archery, orienteering, cross-country skiing 3. Evaluating Success Performing Arts: Dance, theater, puppetry 75 § Have staff and participants fill out evaluation forms after 75 Social Recreation: Dances, cards, preschool events recreation programs are over Special Events: Festivals, fairs, parades § Assess staff and participant satisfaction and the bottom-line Sports, Games and Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, softball financial figures 25 § Summarize evaluation results and provide 25 5 recommendations for recreation program adjustments and 5 improvements 0 0 53 54 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:40 PM 100 100 95 95 Recreation programs come in a variety of formats, like camps, classes, Park Association (NRPA) and Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society 75 clinics, clubs or interest groups, competitive, drop-in, one-day or 75 (PRPS) operate job vacancy listings, and DCNR provides a job referral weekend events, outreach and workshops. service. When hiring a full-time recreation and parks director, look for candidates who are Certified Park and Recreation Professionals. 25 Staffing Recreation and Parks Services 25 These people have met the nationally established criteria to attain 5 The key to providing comprehensive recreation and parks services for 5 professional certification. This certification program is recognized your community is professional staff. Typically, when municipalities nationwide and offers a guarantee to your municipality that the candidate 0 grow to 10,000 to 15,000 residents, the increased demand for recreation 0 has attained the level of education and experience to be considered a and parks services results in the need for professional staff. Forming recreation and parks professional. regional recreation commissions is a viable alternative for smaller municipalities. Often municipalities start with a part-time recreation and Recreation and parks staff and board members that are actively involved parks director and as job demands increase, expand that into a full-time in the profession join PRPS and/or NRPA. Professional activities like position. What does a recreation and parks director do? Essentially, they attending conferences, making presentations, working on task force provide and maintain resources for recreation experiences. committees and serving in elected and appointed positions provide valuable networking and learning opportunities. Why Hire a Recreation and Parks Professional? Part-time and seasonal A recreation and parks professional will help you to: employees are a significant § Determine your community's recreation needs part of the public recreation § Acquire and develop parkland and recreation facilities and parks work force, often § Provide the variety of recreation programs necessary to serve all more than 50% of the total your residents staff. Because of this, § Insure your park areas and recreation facilities are maintained in community recreation and proper condition parks services face some § Address municipal legal liability issues unique staff recruitment and § Promote and market your recreation and parks services retention challenges not § Obtain grant funds and resources to supplement municipal funds experienced by other fields. Many part-time recreation positions require § Develop and make efficient use of a limited budget specialized skills. Dance, baton and karate instructors are examples. It § Stay informed about current trends and techniques to provide can be difficult to find qualified staff willing to work the few hours better service they're needed each week after school, evenings and weekends. Part- 100 § Coordinate maximum use of school facilities time positions don't offer benefits and it's a struggle to keep the hourly 100 95 § Tap the important resource of volunteers 95 wages competitive with the marketplace. People tend to make less of a § Recruit, train and supervise part-time personnel commitment to part-time jobs, calling off work with little notice. 75 § Work with board members, volunteers and organizations to 75 Constant training of new staff and inadequate time and resources to involve your whole community recruit staff are other issues faced by community recreation and parks. Colleges and universities offer four-year degree programs that prepare Financial problems confronting many municipalities mean that adequate 25 individuals for administrative positions in recreation and parks. To help 25 numbers of staff often can't be hired. The volunteer force remains an 5 your municipality find qualified staff, both the National Recreation and 5 important resource, an integral part of any recreation and parks system regardless of the number of staff. 0 0 55 56 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:40 PM 100 100 95 95 Recreation programs come in a variety of formats, like camps, classes, Park Association (NRPA) and Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society clinics, clubs or interest groups, competitive, drop-in, one-day or 75 (PRPS) operate job vacancy listings, and DCNR provides a job referral 75 weekend events, outreach and workshops. service. When hiring a full-time recreation and parks director, look for candidates who are Certified Park and Recreation Professionals. Staffing Recreation and Parks Services 25 25 These people have met the nationally established criteria to attain The key to providing comprehensive recreation and parks services for 5 professional certification. This certification program is recognized 5 your community is professional staff. Typically, when municipalities nationwide and offers a guarantee to your municipality that the candidate grow to 10,000 to 15,000 residents, the increased demand for recreation 0 has attained the level of education and experience to be considered a 0 and parks services results in the need for professional staff. Forming recreation and parks professional. regional recreation commissions is a viable alternative for smaller municipalities. Often municipalities start with a part-time recreation and Recreation and parks staff and board members that are actively involved parks director and as job demands increase, expand that into a full-time in the profession join PRPS and/or NRPA. Professional activities like position. What does a recreation and parks director do? Essentially, they attending conferences, making presentations, working on task force provide and maintain resources for recreation experiences. committees and serving in elected and appointed positions provide valuable networking and learning opportunities. Why Hire a Recreation and Parks Professional? Part-time and seasonal A recreation and parks professional will help you to: employees are a significant § Determine your community's recreation needs part of the public recreation § Acquire and develop parkland and recreation facilities and parks work force, often § Provide the variety of recreation programs necessary to serve all more than 50% of the total your residents staff. Because of this, § Insure your park areas and recreation facilities are maintained in community recreation and proper condition parks services face some § Address municipal legal liability issues unique staff recruitment and § Promote and market your recreation and parks services retention challenges not § Obtain grant funds and resources to supplement municipal funds experienced by other fields. Many part-time recreation positions require § Develop and make efficient use of a limited budget specialized skills. Dance, baton and karate instructors are examples. It § Stay informed about current trends and techniques to provide can be difficult to find qualified staff willing to work the few hours better service they're needed each week after school, evenings and weekends. Part- § Coordinate maximum use of school facilities 100 time positions don't offer benefits and it's a struggle to keep the hourly 100 § Tap the important resource of volunteers 95 wages competitive with the marketplace. People tend to make less of a 95 § Recruit, train and supervise part-time personnel commitment to part-time jobs, calling off work with little notice. § Work with board members, volunteers and organizations to 75 Constant training of new staff and inadequate time and resources to 75 involve your whole community recruit staff are other issues faced by community recreation and parks. Colleges and universities offer four-year degree programs that prepare Financial problems confronting many municipalities mean that adequate individuals for administrative positions in recreation and parks. To help 25 numbers of staff often can't be hired. The volunteer force remains an 25 your municipality find qualified staff, both the National Recreation and 5 important resource, an integral part of any recreation and parks system 5 regardless of the number of staff. 0 0 55 56 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:41 PM 100 100 95 95 Spreading the Word About Recreation and Parks § Community Relations is about being active in your community 75 75 and partnering with organizations to meet community needs. How can residents enjoy your parks when they don't know where they It's the ongoing process of building and reinforcing a positive are? How can they experience your programs if they've never heard of reputation and public image within your community. 25 them? Spending resources on marketing and promotion is time and 25 money well spent. By investing in these areas, you can: Marketing Recreation and Parks as a Service 5 5 § Build, maintain and expand relationships among organizations Your municipality isn't marketing recreation programs or park areas. It's 0 § Generate goodwill 0 marketing services that provide recreation experiences and benefits. § Insure that residents know about your parks and programs Benefit-based promotion tells people what's in it for them, what they'll get, not what the service is, but what it does. People enroll in your These four complementary functions have the same ultimate programs because they meet a need or desire. Benefits may include purpose: making your recreation and parks services more successful. things like health, fitness, self-esteem or self-worth. They may be escape from stress or just for the fun, excitement or risk of the experience. § Public Relations is the process of building and maintaining When you promote a wellness program, people don't want to hear about relationships and generating goodwill for your municipality; its diet and exercise. Instead, they want to hear that they'll look better and goal is to promote the municipality and your recreation and have more energy. parks services. You can't feel, taste or touch a recreation § Marketing is the process of getting others to value your experience like you can a physical product, recreation and parks services; it creates value in the minds of so it's impossible for participants to sample the public. It also identifies the needs of your residents to or inspect it before it's purchased. The encourage them to establish a long-term relationship with your woman registering for an aerobics class or services. Marketing focuses on people before they become the man joining a basketball league can't participants, with its primary goal to "sell" your municipality's know the satisfaction or value of the service park areas, recreation facilities, programs and services. It's in advance. There's risk associated with important to realize that you are marketing services and that selecting recreation services. people participate to get certain experiences or benefits, not for your services themselves. Your programs are only vehicles for When making decisions about recreation services, people most respond delivering recreation experiences or benefits that people want. to word-of-mouth comments. If participants enjoy your parks and Your goal is to increase awareness and inform potential programs, they're likely to return again and again and encourage many 100 participants how your program or facility meets their needs. 100 others to join them. 95 § Customer Service is the process that seeks to provide 95 participants with an enjoyable and meaningful recreation The Tools to Market Recreation and Parks 75 experience by building and maintaining a friendly climate for 75 them. It deals with people as and after they become participants The keys to effective recreation marketing are to communicate to and is the treatment that participants receive. In a growing residents the value of your services and show how you differ from other 25 number of Pennsylvania communities, municipalities must be recreation providers. There are seven principal ways to do this: 25 aware of and adapt to a variety of languages and cultures, 5 making the role of customer service increasingly complex. 5 § Personal Communications involve direct contact between your staff and volunteers and community residents. This can include 0 0 57 58 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:41 PM 100 100 95 95 Spreading the Word About Recreation and Parks § Community Relations is about being active in your community 75 and partnering with organizations to meet community needs. 75 How can residents enjoy your parks when they don't know where they It's the ongoing process of building and reinforcing a positive are? How can they experience your programs if they've never heard of reputation and public image within your community. them? Spending resources on marketing and promotion is time and 25 25 money well spent. By investing in these areas, you can: Marketing Recreation and Parks as a Service 5 5 § Build, maintain and expand relationships among organizations Your municipality isn't marketing recreation programs or park areas. It's § Generate goodwill 0 marketing services that provide recreation experiences and benefits. 0 § Insure that residents know about your parks and programs Benefit-based promotion tells people what's in it for them, what they'll get, not what the service is, but what it does. People enroll in your These four complementary functions have the same ultimate programs because they meet a need or desire. Benefits may include purpose: making your recreation and parks services more successful. things like health, fitness, self-esteem or self-worth. They may be escape from stress or just for the fun, excitement or risk of the experience. § Public Relations is the process of building and maintaining When you promote a wellness program, people don't want to hear about relationships and generating goodwill for your municipality; its diet and exercise. Instead, they want to hear that they'll look better and goal is to promote the municipality and your recreation and have more energy. parks services. You can't feel, taste or touch a recreation § Marketing is the process of getting others to value your experience like you can a physical product, recreation and parks services; it creates value in the minds of so it's impossible for participants to sample the public. It also identifies the needs of your residents to or inspect it before it's purchased. The encourage them to establish a long-term relationship with your woman registering for an aerobics class or services. Marketing focuses on people before they become the man joining a basketball league can't participants, with its primary goal to "sell" your municipality's know the satisfaction or value of the service park areas, recreation facilities, programs and services. It's in advance. There's risk associated with important to realize that you are marketing services and that selecting recreation services. people participate to get certain experiences or benefits, not for your services themselves. Your programs are only vehicles for When making decisions about recreation services, people most respond delivering recreation experiences or benefits that people want. to word-of-mouth comments. If participants enjoy your parks and Your goal is to increase awareness and inform potential programs, they're likely to return again and again and encourage many participants how your program or facility meets their needs. 100 others to join them. 100 § Customer Service is the process that seeks to provide 95 95 participants with an enjoyable and meaningful recreation The Tools to Market Recreation and Parks experience by building and maintaining a friendly climate for 75 75 them. It deals with people as and after they become participants The keys to effective recreation marketing are to communicate to and is the treatment that participants receive. In a growing residents the value of your services and show how you differ from other number of Pennsylvania communities, municipalities must be recreation providers. There are seven principal ways to do this: 25 25 aware of and adapt to a variety of languages and cultures, making the role of customer service increasingly complex. 5 § Personal Communications involve direct contact between your 5 staff and volunteers and community residents. This can include 0 0 57 58 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:41 PM 100 100 95 95 presentations to community groups, answering telephone § Post-Participation Communications involve contacting participants 75 questions and one-on-one meetings. For example, when you 75 after their park visit or program is over. Doing this can maintain and speak in front of community groups, mention the importance of strengthen your relationship with participants. neighborhood parks and your municipality's effort to enhance 25 them. How Do You Find Out What Recreation Services Residents Want? 25 5 § Advertising communicates to people through mass media like You just ask them! Here are some ways: 5 newspapers, magazines, radio, television and outdoor § Have comment cards that people can fill out at your parks and 0 advertising. Mass media can deliver information quickly to 0 programs. These can give you good information but are often filled widespread audiences. out only by very satisfied or very dissatisfied people. § Point-of-Participation Communications include (1) displays, § Conduct a community survey. A volunteer group can interview exhibits and signs, (2) special coupons and discounts, people visiting your parks or participants can fill out surveys after (3) facility/area directional maps, (4) directories of staff and completing your programs. Properly designed and administered where and how they can be reached most conveniently, and (5) surveys are a relatively quick, inexpensive way of collecting rules and regulations. valuable information and exploring issues and concerns in more depth. § Special Promotions are activities, other than advertising, § Bring together frequent users to get their opinions about the intended to get an immediate response. An example is a direct quality of your services and to find out how they make decisions mail letter to past program participants that includes a special and what they really desire. discount for early registration. § Ask questions immediately after people have registered for a § Publicity, like advertising, uses mass media to communicate program or requested information. This helps to judge people's information. The difference is that publicity is free. In order to satisfaction with front-line contact staff and how satisfied they gain publicity, your information must be newsworthy and of were with your customer service. potential interest to the media's audience. § Word-of-Mouth, positive and negative, is generated by both § Have someone visit your facility in-person and report back satisfied and dissatisfied participants, residents who live near observations of your front-line staff performance. Sharing the recreation and parks areas and your employees and volunteers. results with staff and board members will improve your customer The tendency is for people to talk to more people about negative service. 100 experiences than about positive ones. Recognizing this, many 100 communities: § Ask participants who have stopped using your services why they 95 95 left, to identify potential problems. 1. Have money back service guarantees like "your registration 75 75 fee back if you're not satisfied with a recreation program for § Ask your staff and board members their views about the way any reason." services are provided and their perceptions of what participants 2. Distribute products to stimulate interest like logo tee shirts think about your services. 25 and bumper stickers. 25 3. Offer incentives to encourage word-of-mouth like "register § Observe your programs in person and talk informally with 5 two friends and get one-half off on your own registration." 5 participants. 0 0 59 60 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:41 PM 100 100 95 95 presentations to community groups, answering telephone § Post-Participation Communications involve contacting participants questions and one-on-one meetings. For example, when you 75 after their park visit or program is over. Doing this can maintain and 75 speak in front of community groups, mention the importance of strengthen your relationship with participants. neighborhood parks and your municipality's effort to enhance them. How Do You Find Out What Recreation Services Residents Want? 25 25 § Advertising communicates to people through mass media like You just ask them! Here are some ways: 5 5 newspapers, magazines, radio, television and outdoor § Have comment cards that people can fill out at your parks and advertising. Mass media can deliver information quickly to 0 programs. These can give you good information but are often filled 0 widespread audiences. out only by very satisfied or very dissatisfied people. § Point-of-Participation Communications include (1) displays, § Conduct a community survey. A volunteer group can interview exhibits and signs, (2) special coupons and discounts, people visiting your parks or participants can fill out surveys after (3) facility/area directional maps, (4) directories of staff and completing your programs. Properly designed and administered where and how they can be reached most conveniently, and (5) surveys are a relatively quick, inexpensive way of collecting rules and regulations. valuable information and exploring issues and concerns in more depth. § Special Promotions are activities, other than advertising, § Bring together frequent users to get their opinions about the intended to get an immediate response. An example is a direct quality of your services and to find out how they make decisions mail letter to past program participants that includes a special and what they really desire. discount for early registration. § Ask questions immediately after people have registered for a § Publicity, like advertising, uses mass media to communicate program or requested information. This helps to judge people's information. The difference is that publicity is free. In order to satisfaction with front-line contact staff and how satisfied they gain publicity, your information must be newsworthy and of were with your customer service. potential interest to the media's audience. § Word-of-Mouth, positive and negative, is generated by both § Have someone visit your facility in-person and report back satisfied and dissatisfied participants, residents who live near observations of your front-line staff performance. Sharing the recreation and parks areas and your employees and volunteers. results with staff and board members will improve your customer The tendency is for people to talk to more people about negative service. experiences than about positive ones. Recognizing this, many 100 100 communities: § Ask participants who have stopped using your services why they 95 left, to identify potential problems. 95 1. Have money back service guarantees like "your registration75 75 fee back if you're not satisfied with a recreation program for § Ask your staff and board members their views about the way any reason." services are provided and their perceptions of what participants 2. Distribute products to stimulate interest like logo tee shirts think about your services. and bumper stickers. 25 25 3. Offer incentives to encourage word-of-mouth like "register § Observe your programs in person and talk informally with two friends and get one-half off on your own registration." 5 participants. 5 0 0 59 60 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:41 PM 100 100 95 95 75 Chapter Five Caucasian, native-born Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania's cities are much 75 more diverse than its rural areas. Urban communities like Allentown, Trends in Recreation and Parks Lancaster and Reading have had substantial increases in their Hispanic populations, while cities such as Philadelphia and Harrisburg have a 25 25 higher percentage of African American residents. Our minority Recreation and parks has been around for a long time. And it's not going population, 15% statewide, lives primarily in our urban communities. 5 away! But it is changing. Change is a constant today, and recreation and 5 parks as we know it now in Pennsylvania won't necessarily be the same Household Characteristics - One of the biggest changes in recent years 0 in the future. 0 has been the alteration of the family structure. Pennsylvania households contain fewer married couples and fewer children. Households with Where is recreation and parks heading? New patterns of recreating will single people living together, single heads of households and single form as work and family life continues to change. We can't predict the parent families have increased. future. But we can use social, environmental and participation trends to help us plan for the changes to come in the way people play. In this Aging Population - Pennsylvanians are getting older and living longer. At chapter, we cover some of these important trends. 16%, the proportion of Pennsylvanians over the age of 65 is the second highest in the nation. Between now and 2010, the proportion of older Demographic Trends Pennsylvanians will remain stable, but after 2010, it will increase substantially. This is the major demographic trend that communities in Major demographic trends from the 2000 census include the following: Pennsylvania will address over the next 50 years. Population Growth - Pennsylvania is both a very urban and very rural Recreation Trends state. We have over 1,000 urban municipalities, many of which are in decline, and one of the largest rural populations in the nation. Ours is While fads may come and go, also a state with little population growth. Pennsylvania's population recreation activities that command increased by just 1% between 1970 and 1990 and by 3% in the 1990s. interest and participation for more The most significant population gain was in eastern Pennsylvania while than five years are considered many western counties lost population. Pike (65%) and Monroe (45%) trends. Recreation trends actually counties in the Poconos and the Philadelphia suburban counties of Bucks, produce lifestyle changes. Trends Chester and Montgomery (12%) had the largest population growth. The like these may be occurring in your most significant loss was in Cambria County (6%). community: 100 Half of our state's 12 million people live in urban areas. However, 100Family Fun - Families build population in Pennsylvania's cities and boroughs is decreasing. 95 95 healthy bonds by sharing fun experiences. Clearly, American families Suburban and rural growth is on the rise. Over 1.3 million new homes value recreation together: nearly half of all Americans say they engage in 75 were built between 1970 and 2000, despite our overall low population 75 outdoor recreation as a family at least once a month according to a Roper growth. So while our population is not growing, it is spreading into more 1 poll. Schedule pressures, households with two wage earners, single rural areas, causing economic hardship to our cities, boroughs and older parents, lack of time and money limitations all underscore the need for developed communities. expanded family recreation opportunities. 25 25 Cultural Diversity - Geographically, Pennsylvania is primarily a rural 5 5 Wellness - A highly publicized report by the U.S. Surgeon General state. Our rural communities continue to be populated by mainly identified physical inactivity as the number one public health issue, 0 0 61 62 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:42 PM 100 100 95 95 Chapter Five Caucasian, native-born Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania's cities are much 75 more diverse than its rural areas. Urban communities like Allentown, 75 Trends in Recreation and Parks Lancaster and Reading have had substantial increases in their Hispanic populations, while cities such as Philadelphia and Harrisburg have a 25 higher percentage of African American residents. Our minority Recreation and parks has been around for a long time. And it's not going 25 population, 15% statewide, lives primarily in our urban communities. away! But it is changing. Change is a constant today, and recreation and 5 5 parks as we know it now in Pennsylvania won't necessarily be the same Household Characteristics - One of the biggest changes in recent years in the future. 0 has been the alteration of the family structure. Pennsylvania households 0 contain fewer married couples and fewer children. Households with Where is recreation and parks heading? New patterns of recreating will single people living together, single heads of households and single form as work and family life continues to change. We can't predict the parent families have increased. future. But we can use social, environmental and participation trends to help us plan for the changes to come in the way people play. In this Aging Population - Pennsylvanians are getting older and living longer. At chapter, we cover some of these important trends. 16%, the proportion of Pennsylvanians over the age of 65 is the second highest in the nation. Between now and 2010, the proportion of older Demographic Trends Pennsylvanians will remain stable, but after 2010, it will increase substantially. This is the major demographic trend that communities in Major demographic trends from the 2000 census include the following: Pennsylvania will address over the next 50 years. Population Growth - Pennsylvania is both a very urban and very rural Recreation Trends state. We have over 1,000 urban municipalities, many of which are in decline, and one of the largest rural populations in the nation. Ours is While fads may come and go, also a state with little population growth. Pennsylvania's population recreation activities that command increased by just 1% between 1970 and 1990 and by 3% in the 1990s. interest and participation for more The most significant population gain was in eastern Pennsylvania while than five years are considered many western counties lost population. Pike (65%) and Monroe (45%) trends. Recreation trends actually counties in the Poconos and the Philadelphia suburban counties of Bucks, produce lifestyle changes. Trends Chester and Montgomery (12%) had the largest population growth. The like these may be occurring in your most significant loss was in Cambria County (6%). community: Half of our state's 12 million people live in urban areas. However, 100 Family Fun - Families build 100 population in Pennsylvania's cities and boroughs is decreasing. 95 healthy bonds by sharing fun experiences. Clearly, American families Suburban and rural growth is on the rise. Over 1.3 million new homes 95 value recreation together: nearly half of all Americans say they engage in were built between 1970 and 2000, despite our overall low population 75 outdoor recreation as a family at least once a month according to a Roper 75 growth. So while our population is not growing, it is spreading into more 1 poll. Schedule pressures, households with two wage earners, single rural areas, causing economic hardship to our cities, boroughs and older parents, lack of time and money limitations all underscore the need for developed communities. expanded family recreation opportunities. 25 25 Cultural Diversity - Geographically, Pennsylvania is primarily a rural 5 Wellness - A highly publicized report by the U.S. Surgeon General state. Our rural communities continue to be populated by mainly 5 identified physical inactivity as the number one public health issue, 0 0 61 62 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:42 PM 100 100 95 95 2 stating "being inactive is as risky to one's health as smoking." The Year-Round Play - Youth sports have become seasonless, approaching 75 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called obesity "an 75 year-round play. For instance, baseball is played in the spring and fall epidemic." Obesity costs the United States $238 billion per year in while soccer and basketball are played throughout the year. expenses from associated problems such as diabetes, stroke and heart 3 25 disease. 25 Active Older Adults - The very name "senior citizen" has little appeal to many 5 The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than 5 older adults. With improved health, higher doubled in the past 30 years. Almost half of people ages 12-21 and more educational levels and financial security, 0 than one-third of high school students don't participate in physical 0 chronological age is no longer an indicator 4 activity on a regular basis. Physical inactivity is more prevalent among of ability and interest. People are hiking, women than men, blacks and Hispanics than whites, older than younger biking, playing sports and running adults, and the less affluent than the more affluent. The Surgeon General marathons into their 80s now. The baby recommends that communities provide a range of sports and recreation boomer generation of more active older adults won't join traditional 5 programs that are attractive to all people. senior centers. Offering interesting recreation opportunities at convenient times in recreation centers rather than in stand alone senior Addressing Community Problems - Rather than being an end in itself, centers will be important in the future. recreation is a tool for communities to use to address a wide range of societal concerns from reducing Park and Facility Trends sprawl to improving education and preventing drug abuse, juvenile Trends in park planning focus on achieving a balance of protecting crime and underage drinking. In a natural resources and meeting public need for recreation. Rather than nationwide survey conducted by developing a laundry list of facilities based on a cookie cutter formula, Roper Starch in 2000, respondents communities are now looking at the best way to serve the public through expressed the opinion that outdoor recreation. Location, convenience, access and connections via recreation can improve parent/child greenways and trails are all part of the mix. communication, deter vandalism and criminal behavior among youth and Trails - Trails are the most preferred recreation facility in Pennsylvania increase people's appreciation for according to current levels of use and the results of community 6 nature and the environment. recreation and parks surveys statewide. Trails can be multipurpose for walkers, hikers, joggers, runners, cyclists, skaters, cross country skiers Girls in Sports - Fewer than one out of 27 girls played high school sports and equestrians as well as for motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles 100 in 1971. Today, one out of three girls compete on high school sports and A 100 TV's (all terrain vehicles). Trails connect neighborhoods, parks, 95 teams. 95 schools and other community destinations. They provide safe places to exercise, alternative transportation, recreation facilities and 75 Action Sports - Growth in traditional sports is low or stable compared 75 environmental classrooms. Trails are also a major component of the new with the growth in action sports featuring bikes, blades and boards. environmental trend relating to greenways, which is discussed in the next Mountain bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, rock climbing walls and section. 25 snowboards all represent new spins on old equipment and sports. 25 Community Parks - Design trends for community parks show a mix of 5 New Community Sports - Sports such as field hockey, roller hockey, 5 active and passive facilities so that families and friends can use a range lacrosse and rugby are emerging as community recreation activities. of facilities at the same time. Trails, picnic spots and natural areas 0 0 63 64 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:42 PM 100 100 95 95 2 stating "being inactive is as risky to one's health as smoking." The Year-Round Play - Youth sports have become seasonless, approaching Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called obesity "an 75 year-round play. For instance, baseball is played in the spring and fall 75 epidemic." Obesity costs the United States $238 billion per year in while soccer and basketball are played throughout the year. expenses from associated problems such as diabetes, stroke and heart 3 disease. 25 Active Older Adults - The very name 25 "senior citizen" has little appeal to many The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than 5 older adults. With improved health, higher 5 doubled in the past 30 years. Almost half of people ages 12-21 and more educational levels and financial security, than one-third of high school students don't participate in physical 0 chronological age is no longer an indicator 0 4 activity on a regular basis. Physical inactivity is more prevalent among of ability and interest. People are hiking, women than men, blacks and Hispanics than whites, older than younger biking, playing sports and running adults, and the less affluent than the more affluent. The Surgeon General marathons into their 80s now. The baby recommends that communities provide a range of sports and recreation boomer generation of more active older adults won't join traditional 5 programs that are attractive to all people. senior centers. Offering interesting recreation opportunities at convenient times in recreation centers rather than in stand alone senior Addressing Community Problems - Rather than being an end in itself, centers will be important in the future. recreation is a tool for communities to use to address a wide range of societal concerns from reducing Park and Facility Trends sprawl to improving education and preventing drug abuse, juvenile Trends in park planning focus on achieving a balance of protecting crime and underage drinking. In a natural resources and meeting public need for recreation. Rather than nationwide survey conducted by developing a laundry list of facilities based on a cookie cutter formula, Roper Starch in 2000, respondents communities are now looking at the best way to serve the public through expressed the opinion that outdoor recreation. Location, convenience, access and connections via recreation can improve parent/child greenways and trails are all part of the mix. communication, deter vandalism and criminal behavior among youth and Trails - Trails are the most preferred recreation facility in Pennsylvania increase people's appreciation for according to current levels of use and the results of community 6 nature and the environment. recreation and parks surveys statewide. Trails can be multipurpose for walkers, hikers, joggers, runners, cyclists, skaters, cross country skiers Girls in Sports - Fewer than one out of 27 girls played high school sports and equestrians as well as for motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles in 1971. Today, one out of three girls compete on high school sports 100 and ATV's (all terrain vehicles). Trails connect neighborhoods, parks, 100 teams. 95 schools and other community destinations. They provide safe places to 95 exercise, alternative transportation, recreation facilities and Action Sports - Growth in traditional sports is low or stable compared 75 environmental classrooms. Trails are also a major component of the new 75 with the growth in action sports featuring bikes, blades and boards. environmental trend relating to greenways, which is discussed in the next Mountain bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, rock climbing walls and section. snowboards all represent new spins on old equipment and sports. 25 25 Community Parks - Design trends for community parks show a mix of New Community Sports - Sports such as field hockey, roller hockey, 5 active and passive facilities so that families and friends can use a range 5 lacrosse and rugby are emerging as community recreation activities. of facilities at the same time. Trails, picnic spots and natural areas 0 0 63 64 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:43 PM 100 100 95 95 complement ball fields and game courts to provide a varied outdoor Ball Fields - Most communities don't have enough ball fields for the 75 experience. Comfort facilities such as restrooms, shade and sitting areas 75 number of players, teams and leagues. Growth in sports such as field are important features of community parks. Convenient and accessible hockey, lacrosse and rugby are putting more demand on already scarce comfort facilities are particularly important for visitors at older and fields. Competition for fields is fierce in many communities. Ball fields 25 younger ages. 25 are becoming more customized for the particular sport. Instead of multipurpose or overlapping fields, communities are developing 5 Skating Facilities - In-line facilities for skating and roller hockey and 5 individual fields for specific sports to provide safer, more enjoyable play skateboard parks are catching up with the growth in roller sports. and improved maintenance. Training areas that allow players to practice 0 0 and develop skills complement game fields and help to alleviate field Indoor Recreation Centers - While public recreation used to focus on over use. youth, sports and summer, communities are now looking to provide year- round recreation, outdoors and indoors. This has generated interest in Complexes - To reduce driving to multiple sites, citizens are requesting developing community recreation centers that allow residents to maintain centralized facilities for "one-stop recreating." Complexes can be for active lifestyles regardless of weather. Instead of small neighborhood sports, the arts, indoor recreation or even community hubs with centers, communities are developing full-service recreation centers with municipal building, swimming pool, schools, recreation center and aquatics facilities, gymnasiums, activity rooms and wellness centers library on one campus. geared to community recreation. These centers serve all ages with an Nature Centers - Facilities for environmental education are becoming emphasis on families, teens and older adults. more important in local and regional recreation just as they've been important to Pennsylvania counties in the past. Community School Use - While public recreation departments and community organizations have always used school facilities for recreation, the trend is towards collaborative planning, construction and Environmental Trends management of school and community recreation facilities and services. School districts are finding that serving the whole community and not To protect Pennsylvania's unparalleled natural, historic and cultural just residents with school-age children helps to advance their overall assets, our state, municipal and private sector partners have initiated a educational program and generate citizen support for school endeavors. wide range of projects in conservation, outdoor recreation, heritage preservation and tourism promotion. Significant statewide programs Aquatics Centers - Traditional include the Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership, Growing Greener: tank-type pools for lap Conservation by Design, and Green Opportunities for Brownfields. swimming have given way to aquatics centers that include Greenways - In 2001, Pennsylvania adopted Pennsylvania Greenways: 100 not only the typical lane pool 100An Action Plan for Creating Connections. This plan is designed to but also a family play pool, develop a network of greenways, connecting corridors of open space, 95 water toys, fountains, moving 95 trails, natural landscape features and recreational sites statewide. It 75 water, therapy pools and water charts a set of specific strategies and actions for building Pennsylvania's 75 slides. greenways network by 2020. Notable strategies include mapping statewide greenways, developing 1,000 miles of water trails, having Destination Playgrounds - greenway plans completed by counties, and establishing a local greenway 25 Large centralized playgrounds serve people community wide. In contrast 25 in every community by 2020. DCNR is the lead state agency for the 5 to a small neighborhood playground where one would spend up to an 5 hour, destination playgrounds attract visitors from throughout the 0 community to spend a few hours or even a day there. 0 65 66 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:43 PM 100 100 95 95 complement ball fields and game courts to provide a varied outdoor Ball Fields - Most communities don't have enough ball fields for the experience. Comfort facilities such as restrooms, shade and sitting areas 75 number of players, teams and leagues. Growth in sports such as field 75 are important features of community parks. Convenient and accessible hockey, lacrosse and rugby are putting more demand on already scarce comfort facilities are particularly important for visitors at older and fields. Competition for fields is fierce in many communities. Ball fields younger ages. 25 are becoming more customized for the particular sport. Instead of 25 multipurpose or overlapping fields, communities are developing Skating Facilities - In-line facilities for skating and roller hockey and 5 individual fields for specific sports to provide safer, more enjoyable play 5 skateboard parks are catching up with the growth in roller sports. and improved maintenance. Training areas that allow players to practice 0 and develop skills complement game fields and help to alleviate field 0 Indoor Recreation Centers - While public recreation used to focus on over use. youth, sports and summer, communities are now looking to provide year- round recreation, outdoors and indoors. This has generated interest in Complexes - To reduce driving to multiple sites, citizens are requesting developing community recreation centers that allow residents to maintain centralized facilities for "one-stop recreating." Complexes can be for active lifestyles regardless of weather. Instead of small neighborhood sports, the arts, indoor recreation or even community hubs with centers, communities are developing full-service recreation centers with municipal building, swimming pool, schools, recreation center and aquatics facilities, gymnasiums, activity rooms and wellness centers library on one campus. geared to community recreation. These centers serve all ages with an Nature Centers - Facilities for environmental education are becoming emphasis on families, teens and older adults. more important in local and regional recreation just as they've been important to Pennsylvania counties in the past. Community School Use - While public recreation departments and community organizations have always used school facilities for recreation, the trend is towards collaborative planning, construction and Environmental Trends management of school and community recreation facilities and services. School districts are finding that serving the whole community and not To protect Pennsylvania's unparalleled natural, historic and cultural just residents with school-age children helps to advance their overall assets, our state, municipal and private sector partners have initiated a educational program and generate citizen support for school endeavors. wide range of projects in conservation, outdoor recreation, heritage preservation and tourism promotion. Significant statewide programs Aquatics Centers - Traditional include the Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership, Growing Greener: tank-type pools for lap Conservation by Design, and Green Opportunities for Brownfields. swimming have given way to aquatics centers that include Greenways - In 2001, Pennsylvania adopted Pennsylvania Greenways: not only the typical lane pool 100 An Action Plan for Creating Connections. This plan is designed to 100 but also a family play pool, develop a network of greenways, connecting corridors of open space, water toys, fountains, moving 95 trails, natural landscape features and recreational sites statewide. It 95 water, therapy pools and water charts a set of specific strategies and actions for building Pennsylvania's 75 75 slides. greenways network by 2020. Notable strategies include mapping statewide greenways, developing 1,000 miles of water trails, having Destination Playgrounds - greenway plans completed by counties, and establishing a local greenway Large centralized playgrounds serve people community wide. In contrast 25 in every community by 2020. DCNR is the lead state agency for the 25 to a small neighborhood playground where one would spend up to an 5 5 hour, destination playgrounds attract visitors from throughout the community to spend a few hours or even a day there. 0 0 65 66 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:43 PM 100 100 95 95 greenways initiative and will provide the framework and tools to build Growing Greener - Growing Greener (Environmental 75 successful greenway projects. 75 Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act) is the largest environmental program ever undertaken in What is a Greenway? Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to clean-up streams, 25 25 restore abandoned mine lands, protect farmland and A greenway is a corridor of open space. Greenways vary greatly in open space, improve state parks and forests, and plug 5 scale, from narrow ribbons of green that run through urban, 5 oil and gas wells. Enacted into law in 1999 for five suburban and rural areas to wider corridors that incorporate diverse years, the Growing Greener program has been 0 natural, cultural and scenic features. They can incorporate both 0 successful in helping communities, the environment public and private property, and can be land- or water-based. They and Pennsylvania's economy. In 2002, the Legislature may follow old railways, canals or ridge tops, or they may follow imposed an increase in the state's tipping fee. stream corridors, shorelines or wetlands, and include water trails Portions of that additional revenue will provide a continued funding for non-motorized craft. Some greenways are recreational corridors source until 2012. or scenic byways that may accommodate motorized and non- motorized vehicles. Others function almost exclusively for Growing Greener: Conservation By Design - DCNR is promoting environmental protection and are not designed for human passage. Growing Greener: Conservation by Design, a program to assist Greenways differ in their location and function, but overall, a communities in planning residential development design that promotes greenway will protect natural, cultural and scenic resources, open space and natural areas preservation. Developing subdivision provide recreational benefits, enhance natural beauty and quality of regulations as a municipal tool can help to shape communities in life in neighborhoods and communities, and stimulate economic Pennsylvania. By preserving open space through effective local land use 7 development opportunities. planning, communities can protect streams and water quality, provide habitat for plants and animals, preserve rural "atmosphere," provide recreational areas, increase home values and reduce costs of municipal Developing the greenway network will allow future generations to services. The program involves small but significant changes to the experience a new treasure like we celebrate the parks, historic sites, subdivision design and review process. When integrated with trails and game lands comprehensive plan and zoning provisions that encourage the that previous generations preservation of open space, a community can -- over a period of years -- have preserved. protect an interconnected network of conservation lands, at no cost to the Building the greenways 8 taxpayer. network will require teamwork - starting at Green Opportunities for Brownfields - Reuse of industrial sites and 100 the local level and reclamation of scarred lands in Pennsylvania is a high land use priority 100 95 involving everyone in 95 with assistance provided by Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental the community, from Protection and DCNR. Brownfields are abandoned factories or other 75 business leaders to 75 industrial facilities, gas stations, oil storage facilities, dry cleaners and public officials to other businesses contaminated with pollution. Brownfields can be citizens. Often the team cleaned by safely removing contaminants and then redeveloped into parks is brought together by local planning efforts. DCNR is strongly or converted back into natural areas. Organizations such as the Earth 25 encouraging the development of greenway plans by county and 25 Conservancy in northeastern Pennsylvania have been successful in 5 municipal governments as an integral part of their comprehensive 5 reclaiming abandoned strip mine areas and revitalizing them for planning efforts. recreational use. 0 0 67 68 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:44 PM 100 100 95 95 greenways initiative and will provide the framework and tools to build Growing Greener - Growing Greener (Environmental successful greenway projects. 75 Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act) is the 75 largest environmental program ever undertaken in What is a Greenway? Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to clean-up streams, 25 restore abandoned mine lands, protect farmland and 25 A greenway is a corridor of open space. Greenways vary greatly in open space, improve state parks and forests, and plug scale, from narrow ribbons of green that run through urban, 5 oil and gas wells. Enacted into law in 1999 for five 5 suburban and rural areas to wider corridors that incorporate diverse years, the Growing Greener program has been natural, cultural and scenic features. They can incorporate both 0 successful in helping communities, the environment 0 public and private property, and can be land- or water-based. They and Pennsylvania's economy. In 2002, the Legislature may follow old railways, canals or ridge tops, or they may follow imposed an increase in the state's tipping fee. stream corridors, shorelines or wetlands, and include water trails Portions of that additional revenue will provide a continued funding for non-motorized craft. Some greenways are recreational corridors source until 2012. or scenic byways that may accommodate motorized and non- motorized vehicles. Others function almost exclusively for Growing Greener: Conservation By Design - DCNR is promoting environmental protection and are not designed for human passage. Growing Greener: Conservation by Design, a program to assist Greenways differ in their location and function, but overall, a communities in planning residential development design that promotes greenway will protect natural, cultural and scenic resources, open space and natural areas preservation. Developing subdivision provide recreational benefits, enhance natural beauty and quality of regulations as a municipal tool can help to shape communities in life in neighborhoods and communities, and stimulate economic Pennsylvania. By preserving open space through effective local land use 7 development opportunities. planning, communities can protect streams and water quality, provide habitat for plants and animals, preserve rural "atmosphere," provide recreational areas, increase home values and reduce costs of municipal Developing the greenway network will allow future generations to services. The program involves small but significant changes to the experience a new treasure like we celebrate the parks, historic sites, subdivision design and review process. When integrated with trails and game lands comprehensive plan and zoning provisions that encourage the that previous generations preservation of open space, a community can -- over a period of years -- have preserved. protect an interconnected network of conservation lands, at no cost to the Building the greenways 8 taxpayer. network will require teamwork - starting at Green Opportunities for Brownfields - Reuse of industrial sites and the local level and 100 reclamation of scarred lands in Pennsylvania is a high land use priority 100 involving everyone in 95 with assistance provided by Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental 95 the community, from Protection and DCNR. Brownfields are abandoned factories or other business leaders to 75 industrial facilities, gas stations, oil storage facilities, dry cleaners and 75 public officials to other businesses contaminated with pollution. Brownfields can be citizens. Often the team cleaned by safely removing contaminants and then redeveloped into parks is brought together by local planning efforts. DCNR is strongly or converted back into natural areas. Organizations such as the Earth encouraging the development of greenway plans by county and 25 Conservancy in northeastern Pennsylvania have been successful in 25 municipal governments as an integral part of their comprehensive 5 reclaiming abandoned strip mine areas and revitalizing them for 5 planning efforts. recreational use. 0 0 67 68 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:44 PM 100 100 95 95 Management Trends specific users and not the community at large. Nationwide, communities 75 75 are seeking to generate more non-tax money for recreation and parks Pennsylvania's most important management trend in public recreation services. Generating about 30% of a municipal recreation budget and parks is working together with others. With over 2,500 through user fees, sponsorships and partnerships is an achievable goal for municipalities, cooperative recreation and parks services can make the 25 25 municipal departments with a professional staff. Fifty percent or higher most use of limited resources. More municipalities are realizing the is a more difficult target but is regularly achieved by municipalities with 5 benefits of working together and with other public and private partners to 5 extensive recreation programs and services. Park operations usually can't provide recreation and parks services. achieve higher levels of cost recovery because they focus on 0 0 maintenance. Multi-Municipal Planning - While collaborative partnerships to provide recreation and parks services have existed for decades, what's new is New trends in generating non-tax support include field use fees to cover multi-municipal planning. This trend is best exemplified by Monroe maintenance costs, sponsorships by the private sector, park friends who County. Located in the Poconos, Monroe County is under significant raise money for specific purposes and private capital campaign fund growth pressures. All 20 municipalities have participated in planning raising for special use facilities. resulting in the development of six multi-municipal recreation and open space plans that encompass the entire county. Together, they're looking Public Participation - While public participation is hardly a new at how to protect open space and provide recreation and parks concept, what is new is the intensity of and fresh approaches to public collaboratively. They're exploring partnerships in land acquisition, participation statewide. Public involvement in the form of citizen regional park development, park maintenance, recreation services, surveys, public forums, interviews, newsletters, web sites and e-mail is in management and financing. practice in many Pennsylvania communities. This includes computerized surveys, citizen input through web pages and even electronic town Bond Issues and Dedicated Taxes - To leverage state funding and stay in meetings. the race to acquire land, counties and municipalities are floating bonds and dedicating taxes to preserve open space. This is happening most in Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) -Some public park projects generate Pennsylvania's fastest growing areas where development pressure is controversy, especially among citizens who live close to the project area. significant. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Bucks, Chester and Successful projects need to have buy-in from adjacent property owners Montgomery counties have floated bonds for open space preservation. and impacted neighborhoods Voters have embraced the message that open space costs less than early in the process. residential development in terms of schools and other public services. Recreation and parks Municipalities in these areas have enacted taxes for open space that agencies planning for new includes dedicated portions of the earned income tax ranging from projects like parks or trails 100 .0125% to 2% and property taxes ranging from 1/100th of a mill to two 100 should prepare a public mills. Combined, four Pennsylvania counties and 30 municipalities involvement program that 95 made a commitment of nearly $408 million for open space preservation 95 includes strategic planning, between 1987 and 2000. outreach, public education 75 75 and consensus building. Financing Recreation and Parks - The trend in local financing of recreation and parks is towards a mix of tax and non-tax support and Computerization - Technology is enabling municipal recreation and 25 away from total governmental support. Tax funds are typically directed 25 parks departments to provide convenience for residents and enhanced toward land and facilities that benefit the community as a whole. User customer service. Computer software programs designed for recreation 5 fees cover services, recreation programs and facilities that benefit 5 and parks services simplify tasks like program registration, league scheduling, facility reservations and maintenance scheduling. The 0 0 69 70 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:44 PM 100 100 95 95 Management Trends specific users and not the community at large. Nationwide, communities 75 are seeking to generate more non-tax money for recreation and parks 75 Pennsylvania's most important management trend in public recreation services. Generating about 30% of a municipal recreation budget and parks is working together with others. With over 2,500 through user fees, sponsorships and partnerships is an achievable goal for municipalities, cooperative recreation and parks services can make the 25 municipal departments with a professional staff. Fifty percent or higher most use of limited resources. More municipalities are realizing the 25 is a more difficult target but is regularly achieved by municipalities with benefits of working together and with other public and private partners to 5 extensive recreation programs and services. Park operations usually can't 5 provide recreation and parks services. achieve higher levels of cost recovery because they focus on 0 maintenance. 0 Multi-Municipal Planning - While collaborative partnerships to provide recreation and parks services have existed for decades, what's new is New trends in generating non-tax support include field use fees to cover multi-municipal planning. This trend is best exemplified by Monroe maintenance costs, sponsorships by the private sector, park friends who County. Located in the Poconos, Monroe County is under significant raise money for specific purposes and private capital campaign fund growth pressures. All 20 municipalities have participated in planning raising for special use facilities. resulting in the development of six multi-municipal recreation and open space plans that encompass the entire county. Together, they're looking Public Participation - While public participation is hardly a new at how to protect open space and provide recreation and parks concept, what is new is the intensity of and fresh approaches to public collaboratively. They're exploring partnerships in land acquisition, participation statewide. Public involvement in the form of citizen regional park development, park maintenance, recreation services, surveys, public forums, interviews, newsletters, web sites and e-mail is in management and financing. practice in many Pennsylvania communities. This includes computerized surveys, citizen input through web pages and even electronic town Bond Issues and Dedicated Taxes - To leverage state funding and stay in meetings. the race to acquire land, counties and municipalities are floating bonds and dedicating taxes to preserve open space. This is happening most in Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) -Some public park projects generate Pennsylvania's fastest growing areas where development pressure is controversy, especially among citizens who live close to the project area. significant. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Bucks, Chester and Successful projects need to have buy-in from adjacent property owners Montgomery counties have floated bonds for open space preservation. and impacted neighborhoods Voters have embraced the message that open space costs less than early in the process. residential development in terms of schools and other public services. Recreation and parks Municipalities in these areas have enacted taxes for open space that agencies planning for new includes dedicated portions of the earned income tax ranging from projects like parks or trails .0125% to 2% and property taxes ranging from 1/100th of a mill to two 100 should prepare a public 100 mills. Combined, four Pennsylvania counties and 30 municipalities involvement program that made a commitment of nearly $408 million for open space preservation 95 includes strategic planning, 95 between 1987 and 2000. outreach, public education 75 and consensus building. 75 Financing Recreation and Parks - The trend in local financing of recreation and parks is towards a mix of tax and non-tax support and Computerization - Technology is enabling municipal recreation and away from total governmental support. Tax funds are typically directed 25 parks departments to provide convenience for residents and enhanced 25 toward land and facilities that benefit the community as a whole. User customer service. Computer software programs designed for recreation fees cover services, recreation programs and facilities that benefit 5 and parks services simplify tasks like program registration, league 5 scheduling, facility reservations and maintenance scheduling. The 0 0 69 70 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:44 PM 100 100 95 95 Internet, credit cards and e-mail are making recreation and parks a 24- Summary 75 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week service. The use of credit cards and the 75 world wide web has allowed municipalities to provide convenient ways While no one can guarantee your success in recreation and parks, the for residents to register and pay for recreation programs. chances are excellent that your efforts will make your community a 25 25 better place. You'll get to see the fruits of your labor every day in a healthier environment, the wonder of nature, and the smiles of the young, 5 Staying Ahead: Monitoring Trends 5 old and everyone in between that tell you how important recreation and 0 Monitoring community trends helps you make informed, cost effective parks is in their lives. Those municipalities that get the results they'd 0 decisions to meet the needs of your citizens today as well as the needs of hoped for share a variety of traits. The following steps that you can take generations to come. Your ability to anticipate and respond to the in your community are based upon what award-winning recreation and changing needs and expectations of your citizens is essential to make the parks systems in Pennsylvania have done to achieve success: most use of limited resources. 1. Develop a Plan - Determine what you want your recreation Developing park facilities and providing recreation services requires and parks system to look like and develop action steps to reliable information on the trends of recreation and parks. You can achieve this vision. monitor trends by reading newspapers and magazines, attending state 2. Show Leadership - Be vocal about what you're doing and what and national recreation and parks related conferences, tracking you want to do in the future. participation statistics and listening to what the public has to say. Without such monitoring tools, recreation and parks providers will 3. Listen and Respond to Your Community - Encourage public input continue to be in the position of reacting to changing conditions instead and involve key persons in planning and project activities. of dealing with change by developing practical strategies. Good trend information allows communities to plan effectively and provide a high 4. Build a Base of Public Supporters - Form an advisory recreation level of public service efficiently. The fast-paced changes of life in the and parks board or strengthen your existing board, get your 21st century mandate looking ahead 10 years or more when planning and elected officials out to parks and programs, involve your citizens making decisions. as volunteers, and gain the support of business, school and private organizations. 1. Roper Starch. (1999). Outdoor Recreation in America 1999: The Family and the Environment. Washington, D.C.: The Recreation Roundtable. 5. Work with Others - Cooperate fully with other community 2. Surgeon General. (1996). Physical Activity and Health. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Public organizations and boards. Health Service, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 6. Establish Accountability - Adopt practices that insure 3. Fox, Maggie. (1999). Obesity Costs U.S. $238 Billion a Year Survey. Reuters: 100 100 accountability of tax dollars and other resources. Science Headlines: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/199909/health_obesity_2.html. 4. U.S. Center for Disease Control. (1999). CDC's Guidelines for School and 95 95 Community Programs Promoting Lifelong Physical Activity. 7. Be Action-Oriented - Don't just plan. Get your projects moving http:/www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/phactaag.htm. and show some results. 75 5. Surgeon General. IBID. 75 6. Roper Starch. (2000). Outdoor Recreation in America 2000: Addressing Key Building a community recreation and parks system takes years and Societal Concerns. Washington, D.C.: The Recreation Roundtable. decades to happen. It certainly won't happen overnight! Just be patient 7. Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections. PA 25 25 and take your time. Along the way, celebrate each success you have, Greenways Partnership Commission, 2001. share it with your community and above all, enjoy yourself. 8. Arendt, Randall G. (1999). Growing Greener by Design. Washington, D.C.: Island 5 Press. 5 0 0 71 72 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:44 PM 100 100 95 95 Internet, credit cards and e-mail are making recreation and parks a 24- Summary hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week service. The use of credit cards and the 75 75 world wide web has allowed municipalities to provide convenient ways While no one can guarantee your success in recreation and parks, the for residents to register and pay for recreation programs. chances are excellent that your efforts will make your community a 25 better place. You'll get to see the fruits of your labor every day in a 25 healthier environment, the wonder of nature, and the smiles of the young, Staying Ahead: Monitoring Trends 5 old and everyone in between that tell you how important recreation and 5 Monitoring community trends helps you make informed, cost effective parks is in their lives. Those municipalities that get the results they'd 0 0 decisions to meet the needs of your citizens today as well as the needs of hoped for share a variety of traits. The following steps that you can take generations to come. Your ability to anticipate and respond to the in your community are based upon what award-winning recreation and changing needs and expectations of your citizens is essential to make the parks systems in Pennsylvania have done to achieve success: most use of limited resources. 1. Develop a Plan - Determine what you want your recreation Developing park facilities and providing recreation services requires and parks system to look like and develop action steps to reliable information on the trends of recreation and parks. You can achieve this vision. monitor trends by reading newspapers and magazines, attending state 2. Show Leadership - Be vocal about what you're doing and what and national recreation and parks related conferences, tracking you want to do in the future. participation statistics and listening to what the public has to say. Without such monitoring tools, recreation and parks providers will 3. Listen and Respond to Your Community - Encourage public input continue to be in the position of reacting to changing conditions instead and involve key persons in planning and project activities. of dealing with change by developing practical strategies. Good trend information allows communities to plan effectively and provide a high 4. Build a Base of Public Supporters - Form an advisory recreation level of public service efficiently. The fast-paced changes of life in the and parks board or strengthen your existing board, get your 21st century mandate looking ahead 10 years or more when planning and elected officials out to parks and programs, involve your citizens making decisions. as volunteers, and gain the support of business, school and private organizations. 1. Roper Starch. (1999). Outdoor Recreation in America 1999: The Family and the Environment. Washington, D.C.: The Recreation Roundtable. 5. Work with Others - Cooperate fully with other community 2. Surgeon General. (1996). Physical Activity and Health. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Public organizations and boards. Health Service, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 6. Establish Accountability - Adopt practices that insure 3. Fox, Maggie. (1999). Obesity Costs U.S. $238 Billion a Year Survey. Reuters: 100 accountability of tax dollars and other resources. 100 Science Headlines: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/199909/health_obesity_2.html. 4. U.S. Center for Disease Control. (1999). CDC's Guidelines for School and 95 95 Community Programs Promoting Lifelong Physical Activity. 7. Be Action-Oriented - Don't just plan. Get your projects moving http:/www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/phactaag.htm. and show some results. 5. Surgeon General. IBID. 75 75 6. Roper Starch. (2000). Outdoor Recreation in America 2000: Addressing Key Building a community recreation and parks system takes years and Societal Concerns. Washington, D.C.: The Recreation Roundtable. decades to happen. It certainly won't happen overnight! Just be patient 7. Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections. PA 25 and take your time. Along the way, celebrate each success you have, Greenways Partnership Commission, 2001. 25 share it with your community and above all, enjoy yourself. 8. Arendt, Randall G. (1999). Growing Greener by Design. Washington, D.C.: Island Press. 5 5 0 0 71 72 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:45 PM 100 Appendix A 100 95 95 Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Regional Offices Region 3 - Southcentral 75 75 Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Somerset and York Counties 25 25 P.O. Box 1554 5 5 Commonwealth Avenue and South Drive 0 0 Harrisburg, PA 17105-1554 Region 4 - Northcentral Phone: (717) 772-4362 Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Fax: (717) 705-2943 Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties P.O. Box 1554 Commonwealth Avenue and South Drive Harrisburg, PA 17105-1554 Region 5 - Southwest Phone: (717) 705-5956 Region 1 - Southeast Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fax: (717) 705-2943 Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Montgomery and Washington and Westmoreland Philadelphia Counties Counties 908 State Office Building 1405 State Office Building 1400 Spring Garden Street 300 Liberty Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130-4088 Region 2 - Northeast Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1210 Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Region 6 - Northwest Phone: (215) 644-0609 Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Phone: (412) 880-0486 Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Fax: (215) 560-6722 Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Fax: (412) 565-2635 Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, 100 Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming 100 Mercer, Potter, Venango and Warren 95 Counties Counties 95 75 201 Samters Building 1200 Lovell Place 101 Penn Avenue 75 Erie, PA 16503-2646 Scranton, PA 18503-2025 Phone: (814) 871-4190 25 Phone: (570) 963-4157 Fax: (814) 454-7494 Fax: (570) 963-3439 25 5 5 0 0 73 74 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:45 PM Appendix A 100 100 95 95 Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Regional Offices Region 3 - Southcentral 75 Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, 75 Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Somerset and York Counties 25 25 P.O. Box 1554 5 Commonwealth Avenue 5 and South Drive 0 Harrisburg, PA 17105-1554 0 Region 4 - Northcentral Phone: (717) 772-4362 Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Fax: (717) 705-2943 Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties P.O. Box 1554 Commonwealth Avenue and South Drive Harrisburg, PA 17105-1554 Region 5 - Southwest Phone: (717) 705-5956 Region 1 - Southeast Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fax: (717) 705-2943 Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Montgomery and Washington and Westmoreland Philadelphia Counties Counties 908 State Office Building 1405 State Office Building 1400 Spring Garden Street 300 Liberty Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130-4088 Region 2 - Northeast Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1210 Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Region 6 - Northwest Phone: (215) 644-0609 Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Phone: (412) 880-0486 Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Fax: (215) 560-6722 Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Fax: (412) 565-2635 Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming 100 Mercer, Potter, Venango and Warren 100 Counties Counties 95 95 201 Samters Building 1200 Lovell Place 101 Penn Avenue 75 Erie, PA 16503-2646 75 Scranton, PA 18503-2025 Phone: (814) 871-4190 Phone: (570) 963-4157 Fax: (814) 454-7494 Fax: (570) 963-3439 25 25 5 5 0 0 73 74 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:45 PM 100 Appendix B 100 95 95 This is a sample ordinance to create an advisory recreation and parks board Section 4. Advisory Role. The Board is to be advisory and shall coordinate its 75 for a second class township. It should be used for informational purposes 75 activities with the elected officials, planning commission, and other such local only. Every Pennsylvania form of government is governed by municipal governmental bodies. codes. The codes permit municipalities to create recreation and parks boards but differ in requirements. For example, the Second Class Township Section 5. Organization of Board. The members of the Board shall elect a 25 Code permits 5-7 members to be appointed to such boards while the 25 chairperson and secretary and select all other necessary officers to serve for a Borough Code permits 5-9 members. Check with your municipal solicitor period of one year. The Board may adopt rules and regulations for the conduct 5 5 of all business within its jurisdiction and exercise powers and functions for applicable code requirements. Generally, the ordinance creating a board concerning parks and recreation facilities as may be delegated to it by the Board 0 should detail its powers, duties, responsibilities and organization. 0 of Supervisors. ORDINANCE NO. 1 Section 6. Authority of the Board. The Board shall have the following powers: AN ORDINANCE CREATING AN ADVISORY RECREATION BOARD; 1. Identify the open space, recreation, park and trail needs of the ESTABLISHING THE NUMBER AND TERM OF THE MEMBERS; AND township. DESIGNATING DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD. 2. Plan and supervise recreation programs approved by the Board of Supervisors. 3. Recommend plans, programs, and policies regarding the provision The Board of Supervisors of Blue Township, White County, hereby ordains as of recreation and park services. follows: 4. Advise the Board of Supervisors in the acquisition and development of parklands. Section 1. Establishment of Board. There is hereby created, pursuant to Section 5. Undertake recreation and park tasks as requested by the Board of 2204 of the Second Class Township Code (act of May 1, 1933, P.L. 103, No. 69; Supervisors. reenacted July 10, 1947, P.L. 1481; reenacted and amended Nov. 9, 1995, P.L. 350, No. 60) a board to be known as the Blue Township Advisory Recreation Section 7. Reporting. The Board shall keep minutes of its meetings, which it and Parks Board ("Board"). The Board shall be composed of seven residents of shall submit to the Board of Supervisors. The Board shall submit an annual this township. report to the Board of Supervisors, including an analysis of the adequacy and effectiveness of community recreation areas, facilities and leadership. Section 2. Appointment and Terms of Office. Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with the following Section 8. Annual Budget. The Board, at such times as directed by the Board of procedures: Supervisors, shall annually submit for approval to the Board of Supervisors a proposed budget for the ensuing year, setting forth all proposed expenditures, (1) Board members shall serve for terms of five years, or until their salaries, and programs with sufficient justification. The Board shall not in any successors are appointed, except that members first appointed shall manner obligate the Board of Supervisors for the payment of any township be appointed so that the terms of not more than two members expire funds until the same is appropriated by the Board of Supervisors. annually. All persons appointed shall serve their full terms unless 100 they voluntarily resign or are removed by the Board of Supervisors 100 st ADOPTED this 1 day of June, 2003. The ordinance shall become effective five for dereliction or neglect of duty. Vacancies occurring otherwise than 95 95 days after adoption. by expiration of term shall be for the unexpired term and shall be 75 filled in the same manner as original appointments. 75 Board of Supervisors of Blue Township (2) Whenever possible, due consideration will be given to representation By ______________, Chairperson from various geographic sections within the township, so that all ______________, Vice Chair members shall not be from the same general area. 25 25 ______________, Member Section 3. Service Without Pay. Members of the Board shall receive no 5 compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed by the township for all 5 expenses incurred in performing their duties. 0 0 75 76 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:45 PM Appendix B 100 100 95 95 This is a sample ordinance to create an advisory recreation and parks board Section 4. Advisory Role. The Board is to be advisory and shall coordinate its for a second class township. It should be used for informational purposes 75 activities with the elected officials, planning commission, and other such local 75 only. Every Pennsylvania form of government is governed by municipal governmental bodies. codes. The codes permit municipalities to create recreation and parks boards but differ in requirements. For example, the Second Class Township Section 5. Organization of Board. The members of the Board shall elect a Code permits 5-7 members to be appointed to such boards while the 25 chairperson and secretary and select all other necessary officers to serve for a 25 Borough Code permits 5-9 members. Check with your municipal solicitor period of one year. The Board may adopt rules and regulations for the conduct 5 of all business within its jurisdiction and exercise powers and functions for applicable code requirements. Generally, the ordinance creating a board 5 concerning parks and recreation facilities as may be delegated to it by the Board should detail its powers, duties, responsibilities and organization. 0 of Supervisors. 0 ORDINANCE NO. 1 Section 6. Authority of the Board. The Board shall have the following powers: AN ORDINANCE CREATING AN ADVISORY RECREATION BOARD; 1. Identify the open space, recreation, park and trail needs of the ESTABLISHING THE NUMBER AND TERM OF THE MEMBERS; AND township. DESIGNATING DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD. 2. Plan and supervise recreation programs approved by the Board of Supervisors. 3. Recommend plans, programs, and policies regarding the provision The Board of Supervisors of Blue Township, White County, hereby ordains as of recreation and park services. follows: 4. Advise the Board of Supervisors in the acquisition and development of parklands. Section 1. Establishment of Board. There is hereby created, pursuant to Section 5. Undertake recreation and park tasks as requested by the Board of 2204 of the Second Class Township Code (act of May 1, 1933, P.L. 103, No. 69; Supervisors. reenacted July 10, 1947, P.L. 1481; reenacted and amended Nov. 9, 1995, P.L. 350, No. 60) a board to be known as the Blue Township Advisory Recreation Section 7. Reporting. The Board shall keep minutes of its meetings, which it and Parks Board ("Board"). The Board shall be composed of seven residents of shall submit to the Board of Supervisors. The Board shall submit an annual this township. report to the Board of Supervisors, including an analysis of the adequacy and effectiveness of community recreation areas, facilities and leadership. Section 2. Appointment and Terms of Office. Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with the following Section 8. Annual Budget. The Board, at such times as directed by the Board of procedures: Supervisors, shall annually submit for approval to the Board of Supervisors a proposed budget for the ensuing year, setting forth all proposed expenditures, (1) Board members shall serve for terms of five years, or until their salaries, and programs with sufficient justification. The Board shall not in any successors are appointed, except that members first appointed shall manner obligate the Board of Supervisors for the payment of any township be appointed so that the terms of not more than two members expire funds until the same is appropriated by the Board of Supervisors. annually. All persons appointed shall serve their full terms unless they voluntarily resign or are removed by the Board of Supervisors 100 100 st ADOPTED this 1 day of June, 2003. The ordinance shall become effective five for dereliction or neglect of duty. Vacancies occurring otherwise than 95 days after adoption. 95 by expiration of term shall be for the unexpired term and shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments. 75 Board of Supervisors of Blue Township 75 (2) Whenever possible, due consideration will be given to representation By ______________, Chairperson from various geographic sections within the township, so that all ______________, Vice Chair members shall not be from the same general area. 25 ______________, Member 25 Section 3. Service Without Pay. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed by the township for all 5 5 expenses incurred in performing their duties. 0 0 75 76 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:46 PM 100 Appendix C Appendix D 100 95 95 The National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program 75 for Park and Recreation Administration developed park, open space and 75 Whether it's rehabilitating a community athletic field, building a safer pathways classifications in its 1995 Park, Recreation, Open Space and playground, preparing a greenways plan, developing a trail or protecting a Greenway Guidelines. Provided below are excerpts from the classification critical natural area, the Bureau's Community Conservation Partnerships table. The complete publication is available for purchase by contacting 25 25 Program can provide communities and nonprofit organizations with the NRPA's store at 703-858-2190. technical assistance and grant funding to undertake these and other types of 5 Parks and Open Space Classifications 5 recreation and conservation projects. §Mini-Parks are areas of 2,500 square feet to one (1) acre in size. They 0 are geared specifically for those living within a service radius of less 0 The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is a combination of than ¼ mile. several funding sources and grant programs that have been combined into one annual application cycle (generally late summer/early fall), and use a §Neighborhood Parks are generally areas of 10 acres or less that are single application format and process with one grant manual and one set of developed for informal active and passive recreation activities. They application forms. Generally, all components require a match, usually 50% serve people living within a ½ mile service area. of cash or in-kind contributions. §Community Parks are larger in size than a neighborhood park, usually containing between 20 and 50 acres. Their focus is to meet active and The following is a summary of the types of projects eligible for funding passive recreation needs as well as preserving unique landscapes and under the Community Conservation Partnerships Program: open spaces. The service area for community parks is a three-mile radius. §School-Parks are public school sites with facilities that could serve as Planning Projects a neighborhood or community park. Sites are determined by the location § Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plans of school district property. § Conservation Plans § County Natural Areas Inventories §Large Urban Parks serve a broader purpose than community parks and § Feasibility Studies § Greenways and Trails Plans are used when community and neighborhood parks are not adequate to § Rails-to-Trails Plans § Snowmobile and ATV Plans serve the needs of the community. They are usually a minimum of 50 § Master Site Plans § Rivers Conservation Plans acres, with 75 acres or more being optimal, and serve the entire community. Acquisition Projects §Greenways are linear park areas that focus on passive recreation and § Greenways, Trails and Rivers Conservation the natural environment. These areas frequently form connections § Park and Recreation Areas § Natural and Critical Habitat Areas throughout the community. § Rails-to-Trails § Snowmobile and ATV Trails and Areas §Natural Resource Areas are lands set aside for preservation of significant natural resources, landscapes, open space, and visual Development Projects 100 aesthetics and buffering. 100 § Park and Recreation Areas § Greenways and Trails 95 §Single Purpose/Special Use Parks cover a broad range of parks and 95 § Rails-to-Trails § Snowmobile and ATV Trails and Areas recreation facilities oriented toward single-purpose use. § Rivers Conservation 75 §Sports Complexes consolidate heavily programmed athletic fields and 75 Technical Assistance Projects facilities to larger and fewer sites strategically located throughout the § Education and Training § Circuit Rider community for community-wide use. These areas are usually a 25 minimum of 25 acres, with 40 to 80 acres being optimal. § Peer-to-Peer § Snowmobile and ATV Trails and Areas 25 §Private Park/Recreation Facilities are sites that are privately owned yet For more information about this grant program contact your DCNR 5 contribute to the public recreation and parks system. The areas can be 5 regional office that covers your county (see Appendix A). 0 of any size. 0 77 78 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:46 PM Appendix C 100 Appendix D 100 95 95 The National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program for Park and Recreation Administration developed park, open space and 75 Whether it's rehabilitating a community athletic field, building a safer 75 pathways classifications in its 1995 Park, Recreation, Open Space and playground, preparing a greenways plan, developing a trail or protecting a Greenway Guidelines. Provided below are excerpts from the classification critical natural area, the Bureau's Community Conservation Partnerships table. The complete publication is available for purchase by contacting 25 Program can provide communities and nonprofit organizations with the NRPA's store at 703-858-2190. 25 technical assistance and grant funding to undertake these and other types of Parks and Open Space Classifications 5 recreation and conservation projects. 5 §Mini-Parks are areas of 2,500 square feet to one (1) acre in size. They are geared specifically for those living within a service radius of less 0 The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is a combination of 0 than ¼ mile. several funding sources and grant programs that have been combined into one annual application cycle (generally late summer/early fall), and use a §Neighborhood Parks are generally areas of 10 acres or less that are single application format and process with one grant manual and one set of developed for informal active and passive recreation activities. They application forms. Generally, all components require a match, usually 50% serve people living within a ½ mile service area. of cash or in-kind contributions. §Community Parks are larger in size than a neighborhood park, usually containing between 20 and 50 acres. Their focus is to meet active and The following is a summary of the types of projects eligible for funding passive recreation needs as well as preserving unique landscapes and under the Community Conservation Partnerships Program: open spaces. The service area for community parks is a three-mile radius. §School-Parks are public school sites with facilities that could serve as Planning Projects a neighborhood or community park. Sites are determined by the location § Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plans of school district property. § Conservation Plans § County Natural Areas Inventories §Large Urban Parks serve a broader purpose than community parks and § Feasibility Studies § Greenways and Trails Plans are used when community and neighborhood parks are not adequate to § Rails-to-Trails Plans § Snowmobile and ATV Plans serve the needs of the community. They are usually a minimum of 50 § Master Site Plans § Rivers Conservation Plans acres, with 75 acres or more being optimal, and serve the entire community. Acquisition Projects §Greenways are linear park areas that focus on passive recreation and § Greenways, Trails and Rivers Conservation the natural environment. These areas frequently form connections § Park and Recreation Areas § Natural and Critical Habitat Areas throughout the community. § Rails-to-Trails § Snowmobile and ATV Trails and Areas §Natural Resource Areas are lands set aside for preservation of significant natural resources, landscapes, open space, and visual Development Projects aesthetics and buffering. 100 § Park and Recreation Areas § Greenways and Trails 100 §Single Purpose/Special Use Parks cover a broad range of parks and 95 § Rails-to-Trails § Snowmobile and ATV Trails and Areas 95 recreation facilities oriented toward single-purpose use. § Rivers Conservation §Sports Complexes consolidate heavily programmed athletic fields and 75 75 Technical Assistance Projects facilities to larger and fewer sites strategically located throughout the § Education and Training § Circuit Rider community for community-wide use. These areas are usually a minimum of 25 acres, with 40 to 80 acres being optimal. § Peer-to-Peer § Snowmobile and ATV Trails and Areas 25 25 §Private Park/Recreation Facilities are sites that are privately owned yet For more information about this grant program contact your DCNR contribute to the public recreation and parks system. The areas can be 5 regional office that covers your county (see Appendix A). 5 of any size. 0 0 77 78 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:46 PM 100 Appendix E 100 95 95 Where to Go for Help Resource Description 75 75 Pennsylvania Game Manages the state's wildlife resources through land We're fortunate in Pennsylvania to have a variety of resources available for Commission management, law enforcement, public information and recreation, parks, conservation, historic preservation, greenways and trails. education. Finding out that you're not alone and that you have help allows you to move 717-787-4250 25 ahead with your projects, benefit from the experience of others and avoid 25 www.pgc.state.pa.us pitfalls. One of the best things about recreation and parks is the great Pennsylvania State Historical Promotes the conservation of Pennsylvania's historic 5 network of people who share your desire, enthusiasm and challenges in 5 and Museum Commission heritage, oversees care of historical manuscripts, public records, and objects of historic interest, museums, achieving similar goals. 0 0 archaeology, publications, historic sites and properties, This brief resource directory gives you the names of organizations, contact 717-787-3362 historic preservation, geographic names, and the promotion information and a description of the services provided. www.phmc.state.pa.us of public interest in Pennsylvania history. Pennsylvania Council Fosters the excellence, diversity and vitality of the arts in on the Arts Pennsylvania and broadens the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the state. Resource Directory for 717-787-6883 Community Recreation, Parks, Greenways and Trails www.artsnet.org/pca/pca.html Pennsylvania Humanities Empowers non-profit groups across Pennsylvania to Council develop and offer their own programs for lifelong learning State Agencies and Organizations through history, literature, religious studies, philosophy and 1-800-462-0442 the social sciences. Resource Description Pennsylvania Department Directs the establishment of community conservation (in Pa only) of Conservation and Natural partnerships through grants and technical assistance to 215-925-1005 Resources (DCNR) benefit local parks and recreation, rivers, trails, greenways, www.pahumanities.org regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas. Center for Rural Pennsylvania Promotes and sustains the vitality of Pennsylvania's rural 717-787-7672 and small communities by awarding grants for research and www.dcnr.state.pa.us 717-787-9555 model projects, disseminating information on trends and Pennsylvania Greenways Provides a "one-stop shop" for Pennsylvania greenways www.ruralpa.org conditions and sponsoring forums on rural issues. Clearinghouse and Website information and links to other key sources. Keystone Athletic Field Provides promotion, education and training to advance Management Association sports turf management in Pennsylvania. 717-705-8533 www.pagreenways.org www.greenmediaonline.com Pennsylvania Department of Fosters opportunities for communities to succeed and thrive Pennsylvania Environmental Promotes sustainable use of our land and natural Community and Economic in a global economy to enable Pennsylvania to achieve a Council (PEC) resources, protection of watersheds, and innovative Development (DCED) superior quality of life. Provides grants for community solutions to long-standing land use issues from brownfield revitalization and economic development activities on the 1-800-322-9214 clean-up to air quality. Also promotes the establishment of 100 1-800-379-7448 local level. 100 1-888-590-7844 new municipal environmental advisory councils and assists www.inventpa.com www.pecpa.org existing EAC's. 95 Governor's Center for Local One-stop shopping for all local governments in 95 www.eacnetwork.org Government Services Pennsylvania. Part of DCED. Offers full range of technical Pennsylvania Land Trust Promotes voluntary land conservation and provides 75 and financial assistance to local governments. 75 Association (PALTA) resources, leadership and training to the nation's 1,200 - 1-888-223-6837 plus nonprofit, grassroots land trusts. www.inventpa.com 717-230-8560 Pennsylvania Fish and Provides fishing and boating opportunities through www.conserveland.org 25 Boat Commission protection and management of aquatic resources. 25 Pennsylvania Rails-to-Trails Enriches Pennsylvania's communities and countryside by Conservancy creating a statewide network of public trails from former rail 5 717-705-7800 5 lines and connecting corridors. Helps build trails by www.fish.state.pa.us 717-238-1717 providing technical assistance. 0 0 www.railtrails.org 79 80 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:47 PM Appendix E 100 100 95 95 Where to Go for Help Resource Description 75 Pennsylvania Game Manages the state's wildlife resources through land 75 We're fortunate in Pennsylvania to have a variety of resources available for Commission management, law enforcement, public information and recreation, parks, conservation, historic preservation, greenways and trails. education. Finding out that you're not alone and that you have help allows you to move 717-787-4250 ahead with your projects, benefit from the experience of others and avoid 25 www.pgc.state.pa.us 25 pitfalls. One of the best things about recreation and parks is the great Pennsylvania State Historical Promotes the conservation of Pennsylvania's historic network of people who share your desire, enthusiasm and challenges in 5 and Museum Commission heritage, oversees care of historical manuscripts, public 5 records, and objects of historic interest, museums, achieving similar goals. 0 archaeology, publications, historic sites and properties, 0 This brief resource directory gives you the names of organizations, contact 717-787-3362 historic preservation, geographic names, and the promotion information and a description of the services provided. www.phmc.state.pa.us of public interest in Pennsylvania history. Pennsylvania Council Fosters the excellence, diversity and vitality of the arts in on the Arts Pennsylvania and broadens the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the state. Resource Directory for 717-787-6883 Community Recreation, Parks, Greenways and Trails www.artsnet.org/pca/pca.html Pennsylvania Humanities Empowers non-profit groups across Pennsylvania to Council develop and offer their own programs for lifelong learning State Agencies and Organizations through history, literature, religious studies, philosophy and 1-800-462-0442 the social sciences. Resource Description Pennsylvania Department Directs the establishment of community conservation (in Pa only) of Conservation and Natural partnerships through grants and technical assistance to 215-925-1005 Resources (DCNR) benefit local parks and recreation, rivers, trails, greenways, www.pahumanities.org regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas. Center for Rural Pennsylvania Promotes and sustains the vitality of Pennsylvania's rural 717-787-7672 and small communities by awarding grants for research and www.dcnr.state.pa.us 717-787-9555 model projects, disseminating information on trends and Pennsylvania Greenways Provides a "one-stop shop" for Pennsylvania greenways www.ruralpa.org conditions and sponsoring forums on rural issues. Clearinghouse and Website information and links to other key sources. Keystone Athletic Field Provides promotion, education and training to advance Management Association sports turf management in Pennsylvania. 717-705-8533 www.pagreenways.org www.greenmediaonline.com Pennsylvania Department of Fosters opportunities for communities to succeed and thrive Pennsylvania Environmental Promotes sustainable use of our land and natural Community and Economic in a global economy to enable Pennsylvania to achieve a Council (PEC) resources, protection of watersheds, and innovative Development (DCED) superior quality of life. Provides grants for community solutions to long-standing land use issues from brownfield revitalization and economic development activities on the 1-800-322-9214 clean-up to air quality. Also promotes the establishment of 1-800-379-7448 local level. 100 1-888-590-7844 new municipal environmental advisory councils and assists 100 www.inventpa.com www.pecpa.org existing EAC's. Governor's Center for Local One-stop shopping for all local governments in 95 www.eacnetwork.org 95 Government Services Pennsylvania. Part of DCED. Offers full range of technical Pennsylvania Land Trust Promotes voluntary land conservation and provides and financial assistance to local governments. 75 Association (PALTA) resources, leadership and training to the nation's 1,200 - 75 1-888-223-6837 plus nonprofit, grassroots land trusts. www.inventpa.com 717-230-8560 Pennsylvania Fish and Provides fishing and boating opportunities through www.conserveland.org Boat Commission protection and management of aquatic resources. 25 Pennsylvania Rails-to-Trails Enriches Pennsylvania's communities and countryside by 25 Conservancy creating a statewide network of public trails from former rail 717-705-7800 5 lines and connecting corridors. Helps build trails by 5 www.fish.state.pa.us 717-238-1717 providing technical assistance. 0 www.railtrails.org 0 79 80 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:49 PM 100 100 95 95 Resource Description Resource Description 75 Pennsylvania Recreation The principal state organization promoting recreation and 75 Nature Conservancy Works closely with communities and businesses to and Park Society (PRPS) park training, networking and leadership opportunities for preserve the plants, animals and natural communities those working and volunteering in the field. PA Office 610-832-1323 that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the 814-234-4272 www.nature.org lands and waters they need to survive. 25 www.prps.org 25 President's Council on Physical Promotes, encourages and motivates Americans of all ages Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council Promotes professionalism in the turfgrass industry, provides Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) to become physically active and participate in sports. 5 educational opportunities, grants and other forms of support 5 Initiates and administers programs that reach people in for education and research programs; promotes open 202-690-9000 schools, homes, workplaces and communities. 0 814-355-8010 dialogue with government agencies, private institutions and 0 www.fitness.gov www.paturf.org the general public. Sierra Club Explores and protects the wild places on Earth, promotes Pennsylvania Organization Dedicated to the protection, sound management and responsible use of ecosystems and resources and educates for Watersheds and Rivers enhancement of the Commonwealth's rivers and PA Chapter 717-232-0101 and enlists people to protect and restore the quality of the (POWR) watersheds and to the empowerment of local organizations www.sierraclub.org natural and human environment. with the same commitment. Trails and Greenways Provides technical information, resources and referrals to 717-234-7910 Clearinghouse trail and greenway advocates and developers across the www.pawatersheds.org nation. Services are free to government agencies, communities, grassroots organizations and anyone else www.trailsandgreenways.org seeking to create and manage greenways. National Agencies and Organizations Trust for Public Land Helps conserve land for recreation and spiritual Resource Description nourishment and to improve the health and quality of life of American Society of Supports the profession of landscape architecture that 212-677-7171 American communities. Landscape Architects designs the built environment of neighborhoods, towns and www.tpl.org cities and protects and manages the natural environment. 717-236-2044 www.landscapearchitects.org Audubon Society Conserves and restores natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and habitats. PA Office 717-213-6880 www.audubon.org/states/pa The Conservation Fund Helps acquire and protect open space, wildlife habitat and historic sites nationwide. Assists partners in business, government and the nonprofit sector with projects that PA Office 717-230-8166 integrate economic development with environmental www.conservationfund.org protection. National Park Service Preserves the national park system for the enjoyment, 100 education and inspiration of this and future generations, 100 guards diverse cultural, historic and recreational resources 95 and protects America's open space. Rivers, trails and 95 215-597-7013 conservation assistance program staff available for 75 www.nps.gov technical assistance. 75 National Recreation and Advances parks, recreation, environmental and Park Association (NRPA) conservation efforts nationally. Provides publications, training programs and an annual conference. 25 703-858-0784 25 www.nrpa.org 5 5 0 0 81 82 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:50 PM 100 100 95 95 Resource Description Resource Description Pennsylvania Recreation The principal state organization promoting recreation and 75 Nature Conservancy Works closely with communities and businesses to 75 and Park Society (PRPS) park training, networking and leadership opportunities for preserve the plants, animals and natural communities those working and volunteering in the field. PA Office 610-832-1323 that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the 814-234-4272 www.nature.org lands and waters they need to survive. www.prps.org 25 President's Council on Physical Promotes, encourages and motivates Americans of all ages 25 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council Promotes professionalism in the turfgrass industry, provides Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) to become physically active and participate in sports. educational opportunities, grants and other forms of support 5 Initiates and administers programs that reach people in 5 for education and research programs; promotes open 202-690-9000 schools, homes, workplaces and communities. 814-355-8010 dialogue with government agencies, private institutions and 0 www.fitness.gov 0 www.paturf.org the general public. Sierra Club Explores and protects the wild places on Earth, promotes Pennsylvania Organization Dedicated to the protection, sound management and responsible use of ecosystems and resources and educates for Watersheds and Rivers enhancement of the Commonwealth's rivers and PA Chapter 717-232-0101 and enlists people to protect and restore the quality of the (POWR) watersheds and to the empowerment of local organizations www.sierraclub.org natural and human environment. with the same commitment. Trails and Greenways Provides technical information, resources and referrals to 717-234-7910 Clearinghouse trail and greenway advocates and developers across the www.pawatersheds.org nation. Services are free to government agencies, communities, grassroots organizations and anyone else www.trailsandgreenways.org seeking to create and manage greenways. National Agencies and Organizations Trust for Public Land Helps conserve land for recreation and spiritual Resource Description nourishment and to improve the health and quality of life of American Society of Supports the profession of landscape architecture that 212-677-7171 American communities. Landscape Architects designs the built environment of neighborhoods, towns and www.tpl.org cities and protects and manages the natural environment. 717-236-2044 www.landscapearchitects.org Audubon Society Conserves and restores natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and habitats. PA Office 717-213-6880 www.audubon.org/states/pa The Conservation Fund Helps acquire and protect open space, wildlife habitat and historic sites nationwide. Assists partners in business, government and the nonprofit sector with projects that PA Office 717-230-8166 integrate economic development with environmental www.conservationfund.org protection. National Park Service Preserves the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations, 100 100 guards diverse cultural, historic and recreational resources and protects America's open space. Rivers, trails and 95 95 215-597-7013 conservation assistance program staff available for www.nps.gov technical assistance. 75 75 National Recreation and Advances parks, recreation, environmental and Park Association (NRPA) conservation efforts nationally. Provides publications, training programs and an annual conference. 703-858-0784 25 25 www.nrpa.org 5 5 0 0 81 82 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:51 PM 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 printergreenbook Wednesday, April 02, 2003 4:35:51 PM 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 authors1 Monday, April 21, 2003 12:06:09 PM 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 100 100 95 95 75 75 25 25 5 5 0 0 green book cover2 Monday, April 21, 2003 11:57:50 AM