October 2008
UpFront
If Not Now, When?
Two NRPA staffers, marketing senior director John Crosby, CAE,and citizen services manager Helen Rose, tackle an extremely significant issue in this month’s magazine: Namely, what is the public’s perception of parks and recreation, and what is NRPA going to do about it?
To provide detail, Crosby and Rose examined the findings from two recent NRPA-commissioned surveys. The results form the basis of their article, “Parks and Recreation: The Value Proposition,” which begins on page 62.The duo mined several pertinent pieces of information from the studies,including the fact that an overwhelming number of Americans—three-fifths, in fact—believe public parks and recreation to be an important component of their communities’ overall quality of life.
Fewer, however, were willing to support this essential service, either financially or through volunteerism. Sound familiar?
How many of you have citizens in your communities who love their parks but fail to voice their opinions when budget dollars are on the chopping block? Or who bemoan the proposed closing of a beloved park, yet can’t muster the ability to attend a city council meeting in the park’s defense?
In some part, rallying and inspiring these citizens, all of whom possess the dedication to the cause, is your job. But couldn’t—and, frankly, shouldn’t— NRPA shoulder a good chunk of the responsibility?
Crosby and Rose conclude their article by stating that NRPA has a “unique opportunity to be viewed as the national voice of public parks and recreation by raising awareness” of its value to active lifestyles and the wellness of American communities.
Seems to make perfect sense, doesn’t it? Thing is, it also sounds like a challenge—or, better yet, a golden opportunity.
E-mail us your insights, feedback, and experiences at edit@nrpa.org.
:: In This Month's Issue ::
On the Cover
Fitness Made Functional
By Roxanne Hawn
When designing or renovating a fitness center, the pros will tell you that it's all about what's new, what's not and what keeps customers coming back.
OTHER FEATURES
Mountain Climbing
By Sally Spaulding
In Aspen, Colo., a community embraces climbing and makes it part of daily life.
Leading Green
By Terrence Nowlin
With sustainable building practices, hybrid vehicle fleets, and innovative recycling programs, U.S. mayors are leading the charge in guiding cities toward green.
Take It Inside
By Meredith Nowlin
A pair of privately owned and managed recreation facilities breathe new life into one city.
A New Breed of Limelight
By Jeff Rogers
Today's sports lighting systems can be a key player for park and recreation agencies looking to satisfy environmental concerns and save money.
Parks and Recreation: The Value Proposition
By John Crosby, CAE and Helen Rose
Involving citizens is key, but what motivates them? Two NRPA-commissioned studies dig deep to reveal some a
Get to Work
By Lauren Yost
You've just graduated with a degree in parks and recreation. Now what? Well show you how to put your best foot forward and make a great first impression on prospective employers.
+The surf instructor, the urban planner, the small-town agency director.
By Clare Leschin-Hoar
Our Cool Jobs profiles will prove there's nothing you can't do with your degree.
COLUMNS
Perspectives: A Journey Just Begun
By Linda Kotowski, CPRP
In anticipation of opportunities to come, NRPA's outgoing presidents reflects upon a year of inspired achievements.
Advocacy Update: Promoting a High Standard
By Richard J. Dolesh
NRPA calls for new level of non-discrimination for person with disabilities.
Research Update: Vying for Volunteers
By Catherine Rowland, M.S. and William Stewart, PH.D.
Discover how these simple strategies can lead to acquiring and retaining valuable help.
Views from the Park Bench: A New Kind of Green Man
By Catherine Nagel
Inspired by the catalytic power of parks, one Washington, D.C.,resident tackles community revitalization.
In Every Issue
UpFront I P&R Contributors I Leave It Better I Playbook I How I Did It I Tip-Off I FirstPerson I Sound Off I NRPA in Action I Product Roundup I Picture This I Index to Advertisers I Views From the Park Bench
Coming Up in Next Month's Parks & Recreation
>> The supreme court. An experience tennis site coordinator details how readers can acquire funding for court upgrades.
>> A tale of encroachment. In a battle of public versus private, some landowners insist on pushing boundries.
>>Testing the waters. Conside the options when looking to introduce innovative programming at your aquatic center.
