November 2008
UpFront
In her feature article "A Thousand Cuts: Poachers, Encroachers, and Squatters," author Francesca Lyman asks us to consider the question of public versus private. But this is not the decades-old question of who should be providing recreation services, nor is it a battle sparked by a residential subdivision building its own pools and parks.
Instead, it is a dilemma that many public park and recreation agencies across the country currently find themselves facing: What to do when landowners claim public property as their own?
According to Lyman, the issue is much more common than many of us may realize. From coast to coast, Lyman tells the tale of landowners seizing chunks of public park land, building swimming pools and other amenities for their personal use.
The primary problems for agencies: identifying and enforcing these violations. Many of these landowners, it seems, regard this land as theirs for the taking. And most gencies, frankly, have neither the time nor the staff to handle the problem effectively.
Where does this leave us? Hemorrhaging valuable land - public land - to a few folks with a sense of entitlement while the rest of the population suffers from a lack of parks.
Without the resources necessary to combat this growing problem, the nation’s public park and recreation agencies find themselves in a difficult position. But those who stand to lose the most are the American people.
E-mail us your insights, feedback, and experiences at edit@nrpa.org.
On the Cover
Testing the Waters
Looking to introduce a bit of innovative programming at your aquatic center?
It may be time to consider the options.
By Becky Mollenkamp
OTHER FEATURES
Community Swim
An innovative approach is key to developing financially sustainable—and well received—aquatic centers. By Rowland Davidson and Dave McCauley
Cool by the Pool
Experts say that cool aquatic design solutions can help to attract and retain guests.
By Sarah van Wezel
A Thousand Cuts: Poachers, Encroachers, and Squatters
In a battle of public versus private, some landowners insist on pushing the boundaries.
By Francesca Lyman
Tennis Everyone?
Why tennis is important to your community—and how you can acquire funding to build new or renovate your existing courts.
By Robin Bateman
The State of Our State Parks
From perilous budget cuts to innovative thinking on revenue, the nation's state park directors face a mountain of challenges.
By Richard J. Dolesh
COLUMNS
Perspectives: Our Crucial Mission
As NRPA's incoming president assumes her new role, she finds great significance in looking forward—and in embracing history.
By Jodi Adams
Advocacy Update: On the Road Again
In one way or another, our federal transportation system impacts the lives of all Americans.
By Richard J. Dolesh and Ashley Futrell
Research Update: Service Matters
Does service quality matter in a municipal recreation setting? Some counterintuitive findings.
By Brad Johnston and Martha Barnes, Ph.D.
Law Review: Rafting Trips Unlicensed Commercial Activity
A Pennsylvania camp ceases rolling on the river after one state agency prohibits its whitewater program.
By James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D.
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
>> Returning warriors: We take a look at an innovative program that is helping to assimilate returning vets back into society and recreation.
>> Bridging the gap: How one park engages children in nature-based play through interaction with a model ecosystem.
>>Appointing volunteers: When assigning volunteers, make no assumptions.
