University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Poster Gallery
Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2017
Major
Therapeutic Recreation
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Jon McChesney
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
Today, parks and recreation departments receive funding through various avenues such as federal and state grants, state and local taxes, and private donations. Although these funds come from diverse sources they rarely are enough to meet the basic needs, let alone expand recreation options in a community. Utilizing data from the following organizations, the National Recreation and Park Administration (NRPA), the Urban Institute, the National League of Cities (NLC), and the National Association of Counties (NACO), we hope to enlighten professionals with existing alternative funding. Park and recreation facilities cannot operate effectively if they do not have the appropriate and consistent funding needed. Knowing the options for financing in this business is important for any prospective professional in the recreation field. Research processes included a review of the literature as well as interviewing professionals in the field. Financial trends impacting park and recreation departments as well as alternative financial options for recreation departments such as enterprise funds, franchising, selling naming rights; usage of independent contractors is reported. An analysis of expanding fee programs, joining forces on projects with non-profits, advancing volunteer programs, and streamlining existing local programming efficiency will be presented.
