As the Parks and Recreation Department continues to develop new
programs, the following goals and principles will serve as guideposts.
This list is designed to both reflect the philosophy of programming and to focus on specific community needs as
determined by a needs assessment study and citizen feedback.
Leisure Services Clearinghouse
Our Department would serve as a resource for residents to access and gain information
regarding community-wide leisure service opportunities in addition
to Parks and Recreation services.
Neighborhood Park & Recreation Managers
In cooperation with the Neighborhood Partnership Project initiated by the city, mini Parks
and Recreation Departments would be established at the neighborhood level. Staff would be
assigned to specific neighborhoods and work directly with neighbors in
the development and implementation of recreation programming and park/playground
development. Services would reflect neighborhood interests.
Integrated Recreation Services
Currently, several partnerships exist with other agencies to provide leisure services.
Our needs assessment study identified new program areas of interest which will dictate
new partnerships with other leisure service agencies, both public and private.
The goal is to identify the best service providers and collaborate rather than recreate and duplicate
available services. The result will be maximization of limited community resources.
New Partnership Development
Currently, several partnerships exist with other agencies to provide leisure services.
Data from our needs assessment identifies new program areas of interest which will
dictate new partnerships with other leisure service agencies, both public and private.
The goal is to identify the best service providers and
collaborate rather than recreate and duplicate available services. The result will be
maximization of limited community resources.
(See Integrated Recreation Services.)
Transportation Challenges
Providing affordable transportation to Parks and Recreation services continues to be a
challenge, not only for our department, but for others who provide recreation programming.
Partnerships with the private sector and inter-governmental units will be necessary over
the next five years in order to ensure accessibility for current and potential customers.
Public School/City Partnerships
Historically, partnerships with the City and local school
districts have proven successful in providing an array of recreation activities for residents a
nd students. Both governmental units could be faced with shrinking resources requiring the existing
partnership to strengthen and expand in order to meet user needs. Creating a greater connection with
neighborhoods depends on access to schools, which act as neighborhood centers. Recently, partnerships
with schools have afforded park/playground developments and expansions on school property made available
for this type of development.
New Program Direction
Data from a recently completed needs assessment study
identified several new areas of interest that our agency will explore over the next five years. Some
of those areas include wellness, self-improvement, conservation education, non-traditional family
programming, preschool activities and athletic camps.
Fiscal Operating Policies (Fees and Charges)
The Parks and Recreation Department should develop and maintain a written
"Fees and Charges Policy" which reflects responsible fiscal management of community resources
and tax dollars. Within these parameters, services should be priced within a range which reflects
the ability of a family with a median income to afford the served,
Specifically, programs should not be priced below the market without a compelling reason to do so.
Individuals who need financial assistance should be identified and supported through the
scholarship/financial assistance program.
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