Articles
Can We Borrow Your Rec Center?
Recreation departments are under increased pressure to satisfy the demands for a broad range of leisure activities for participants of all ages.
A Healthy Bottom Line
In recent years, the trend in local government is to operate recreation facilities more like private-sector businesses. Facilities are often built and operate with great success initially, but
Detailed Planning And Public Participation
Running a successful fitness center within a community recreation facility is no easy feat. It’s difficult to know which fitness craze is here to stay and which is on its way out.
Guide To Greatness
When Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi began training camp with the Green Bay Packers in 1961, just months after the Packers came within yards of winning a championship, the
Permission To Launch
How does a park provide a safe and inclusive atmosphere for a balloon festival that draws more than 100,000 people over three days?
Raising Disability Awareness
As children gather on Saturday mornings in the Donny C. Thiry Memorial gymnasium in the town of Hamburg, N.Y., Senior Community Center, they greet their friends with bursts of
Pulling The Plug On Nighttime Programs
Imagine planning a nighttime event in the winter without supplying heat or electricity. Instead, the Sully Historic Site in Virginia creates a holiday spirit, setting the house aglow with flickers
In Pursuit Of An Amazing Event
Do you ever dream of creating the one perfect event that generates revenue, raises awareness for your organization, creates excitement for the staff members who work on it, and most
Join The Kids Club
We have all heard the message: Get the kids off the couch and outside. Since we are part of a park district, who better to tackle this assignment? “For a number
Prepare To Plan
The great baseball slugger Roger Maris was famously quoted: “You hit home runs not by chance, but by preparation.” In the world of special events, that concept of thor
Rolling With The Times
On June 8, 2017, “Inside the Games” announced that freestyle BMX and skateboarding will be added to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020. BMX riders will compete in “park,”
Active And Engaged
Running a successful, active adult center (aka senior center) does not have to be done by a parks and recreation department alone. In late 2012, the city of Raleigh, N.C., opened two such
Late Bloomers Make Good Students
As the oldest center in the city, the Las Palmas Community Center in McAllen, Texas, has long been a recreation destination for local and visiting elderly persons. With such a rich history in
Conquering Curiosity Through Physical Education
A tearful phone call from a parent in 2007 was the impetus Emily Kovarik needed to launch Idaho's Boise Parks & Recreation's Ability Team. ТA mom called me because a PE teacher didn't know what to
Spice It Up For Seniors
The senior population of every village, town, and city in America is increasing daily. With baby boomers retiring, and nearly a quarter of the American population being at least 55 years old, this
A Community Beat
For many people, community recreation centers are the place where many dancers take their first classes, such as ballet and creative movement, to name a few. In Grand Prairie, Texas, the
Re-Booting The Camp Mentality
Healthy and active programs for children have a pivotal role in today's recreation industry. The child-obesity rates reflect a lack of understanding, interest, or opportunity in living a healthier lif
The Fundamentals Of Floorball
A sport called Floorball is growing in popularity not only in the U.S. but throughout the world. While it may be new to many people, the core aspects are similar to those of many other
Developing An “All Of Us” Mentality
Inclusion is a way of thinking that goes further than non-discrimination by taking a proactive approach to include all people in all programs and services.
Details Matter
It’s Saturday on a crisp November morning in Seattle. Rain clouds are looming, and there’s an unmistakable excitement rumbling through the arena. It’s the kick-off of the winter session of indoor Youth Soccer Leagues at Arena Sports.