Research Reports

Updated Eligibility Criteria for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Pamela W. Ferrari

ABSTRACT

This paper outlines the data compilation and analysis conducted by the Census Bureau for the National Park Service in order to update eligibility criteria for jurisdictions (cities and counties of the United States and outlying areas) to apply for Federal funds under the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program. Data from the 2000 Decennial Census were used to define initial population thresholds for the jurisdictions, as well as to determine eight ranking variables that would be indicators of the need for funds to refurbish recreation facilities and develop recreation programs. The jurisdictions were then ordered by the sum of normal scores of these variables. Any jurisdiction falling above the median value (or any other desired cut-off value) of the sum would then be eligible to apply for the available federal funds. The results are presented in a spreadsheet format so that the National Park Service can easily vary the initial population thresholds or the cut-off value for the sum of the normal scores.

CITATION:

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Research Division

Created: 23-SEP-2004