June 2008

UpFront

Consider this: By 2030, nearly 20 percent of Americans—some 75 million people—will be 65 or older. In fact, this population group will double in size across the next quarter-century. At the same time, this educated, driven group of older Americans expects an improved quality of life while eschewing the traditional “senior” image of growing old quietly and passively.

So, in a nutshell, here’s what we’re faced with: an aging population that is living longer, enjoying life, ignoring conventional barriers associated with age,and is quite comfortable in a multi-generational world.

Oh, and one other thing: shrinking municipal budgets for parks and recreation.In response, many public park and recreation agencies are turning to multi-generational solutions, developing programs and facilities that bridge the divide between young and old.

In Littleton, Colo., for instance, South Suburban Parks and Recreation closed a long-time senior center and built a new, larger recreation center that appealed to all ages. And while officials feared retribution from angry seniors, instead they found that their older customers enjoyed spending time with younger patrons.

From lemons, lemonade. We’ve got the story, beginning on page 62. It’s a terrific example of how, when faced with a challenge, park and recreation professionals are turning to creative decision-making to resolve a situation and improve a community’s overall quality of life.

We’re curious to learn how your agency is meeting the needs of a multi-generational population. E-mail us your insights, feedback, and experiences at edit@nrpa.org.

:: In This Month's Issue ::

June08_cover On the Cover
Waterfront and Center
By JoAnn Greco
With renewed interest in revitalizing their waterfronts. Many cities are turning their attention to parks and green spaces as critical elements to success.

OTHER FEATURES
Four Under 40
By Douglas Vaira
Gifted park and recreation professionals are ready to take the reins.

Get Out and Stay
By Laurlyn K. Harmon, Ph.D.,RLA
Technology is getting kids outside.

Rebuilding Rainier
By Chelan David
A national park dries off after a historic flood.

Design for the Ages
By Craig Bouck
The key is creating opportunities is to build for all generations

COLUMNS

Perspectives: From Adversity, Great Opportunity
By Lois Finkelman
Summer ushers in more customers and seasonal staff.

Advocacy Update: Funding Play Every Day
By Stacey Pine
Public parks and recreation is the logical solution to obesity.

Research Update: The Danger of Anger
By Germaine Jackson, M.A.; Leila Rod, M.A.; and Rodney B. Dieser, PH.D.
Youth become more aggressive upon consuming violent media.

Law Review: Riverwalk Bridge Obscured Neighbors' View
By James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D.
A structure interferes with park neighbors' right to a view.

In Every Issue

UpFront  I  P&R Contributors  I  Leave It Better  I  Playbook  I  Tip-Off  I  NRPA in Action  I  FirstPerson  I  Product Roundup  I  Index to Advertisers  I  Picture This

Coming Up in Next Month's Parks & Recreation

>> Surf's up at public beaches coast to coast.  check out surf programs and a park-run surf museum.

>> The NRPA National Summit on Environment Stewardship in Portland, Ore., was a huge success.  We'll have the highlights!.

>> Pooches want to swim, too. Doggie waterparks and end-of-season pool play days add a splash to the dogpark experience.