Programming for Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services

by Degraaf, Donald G.; Jordan, Debra J.; Degraaf, Kathy H.

• ISBN13: 9780910251990
• ISBN10: 0910251991
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: Venture Pub

Summary

Meeting the needs of customers through effective recreation programs is imperative for leisure service organizations to survive and prosper in the twenty-first century. The authors of this book break new ground for recreation programming by interpreting it within the servant leadership approach.

Servant leadership is based on the premise that all recreation providers serve their customers through programs. The servant leadership approach simultaneously enhances the personal growth of workers and improves the quality and caring of our many institutions through a combination of teamwork and community, personal involvement in decision making, and ethical and caring behavior.

Whether a leisure services professional works for a municipal recreation department providing recreational sports leagues for adults, or for a nonprofit organization providing special events, or as a commercial tour operator offering wilderness backpacking trips, Programming for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services: A Servant Leadership Approach provides both cutting-edge concepts and p

Table of Contents

Preface	xvii
About the Authors About the Cover	xix
Basic Concepts	1	(18)
Definitions	2	(2)
Leisure as Time	2	(1)
Leisure as Activity	2	(1)
Leisure as State of Mind	2	(1)
Leisure as a Symbol of Social Status	3	(1)
Leisure as a Holistic Concept	3	(1)
Freedom	3	(1)
Perceived Competence	3	(1)
Intrinsic Motivation	3	(1)
Locus of Control	3	(1)
Positive Affect	4	(1)
Recreation Programs	4	(7)
The Beginnings of Leisure Programming	5	(1)
Understanding the Benefits of Leisure Programs	6	(2)
Individual Benefits of Leisure	8	(1)
Social Benefits of Leisure	8	(3)
Leisure Service Professionals	11	(2)
Characteristics and Skills of Leisure Service Professionals	11	(2)
Programming: A Servant Leadership Approach	13	(2)
Summary	15	(1)
References	16	(3)
Service and Quality in Programming	19	(22)
The Leisure Experience as a Service	20	(2)
Intangibility	21	(1)
Heterogeneity	21	(1)
Inseparability of Production and Consumption	21	(1)
Perishability	21	(1)
The Concept of Quality	22	(3)
The Limits of Individual Quality---The Need for Social Responsibility	25	(2)
Developing an Understanding of the Importance of Planning	27	(8)
Strategies for Delivering Leisure Programs	28	(5)
Marketing	33	(1)
Community Development/Empowerment	34	(1)
Building a Strategy/Philosophy of Recreation Program Planning	35	(2)
Summary	37	(1)
References	38	(3)
Programming Theories	41	(15)
Systems Theory	42	(2)
Benefits-Driven Model	44	(1)
Special Events Model	44	(3)
Flow Theory	47	(1)
Motivation-Based Theories	48	(1)
Symbolic Interaction Theory	49	(1)
Sociocultural Theory	50	(1)
Comprehensive Theory	51	(2)
The Cyclical Programming Process	53	(1)
Summary	54	(1)
References	54	(2)
Program Philosophy	56	(18)
Foundation, Direction, and Reflection (FDR) Concepts	58	(2)
Philosophy	58	(1)
Values	58	(1)
Traditions	59	(1)
Mission	59	(1)
Vision	59	(1)
Goals and Objectives	60	(1)
Importance and Application of Concepts	60	(10)
Importance of Philosophy	60	(1)
Application of Philosophy	61	(1)
Importance of Values	61	(1)
Application of Values	62	(1)
Importance of Traditions	63	(1)
Application of Traditions	64	(1)
Importance of Mission	65	(1)
Application of Mission	65	(1)
Importance of Vision	65	(1)
Application of Vision	65	(1)
Developing Vision	66	(1)
Communicating Vision	67	(1)
Importance of Goals and Objectives	68	(1)
Application of Goals and Objectives	68	(1)
Interface of FDR Concepts	68	(1)
Implications for Recreation Programmers	69	(1)
The Servant Leadership Perspective	70	(2)
Accountability	70	(1)
Empathy	70	(1)
Diversity	70	(1)
Empowerment	71	(1)
Community	71	(1)
Integrity	71	(1)
Service	72	(1)
Summary	72	(1)
References	73	(1)
Needs Assessment: The First Step	74	(24)
Definitions	76	(3)
Need	76	(1)
Expressed Need	77	(1)
Felt Need	77	(1)
Comparative Need	77	(1)
Created Need	77	(1)
Normative Need	77	(1)
Want/Desire	78	(1)
Interest	78	(1)
Intention	78	(1)
Why Conduct Needs Assessments?	79	(4)
Service Orientation/Participant Empowerment	79	(2)
Desire for Quality and Exceeding Expectations	81	(1)
Program Management	82	(1)
Whom to Ask, What	83	(2)
Constituents	83	(2)
Data Gathering	85	(3)
External Inventory	85	(1)
Internal Inventory	86	(2)
The Process of Gathering Needs Assessment Information	88	(8)
People as Resources	88	(3)
Records as Resources	91	(5)
Summary	96	(1)
References	97	(1)
Programming for People	98	(14)
Dimensions of Diversity	100	(3)
Sex/Gender	100	(1)
Ethnicity/Race	101	(1)
Sexual Orientation	102	(1)
Physical/Cognitive Abilities and Qualities	102	(1)
Life Stages and Age Groups	103	(6)
Young Childhood (5--7 years)	104	(1)
Middle Childhood (8--11 years)	105	(1)
Young Adolescence (12--14 years)	106	(1)
Adolescence (15--17 years)	106	(1)
Young Adulthood (18--25 years)	107	(1)
Middle Adulthood (26--40 years)	107	(1)
Older Adulthood (41--60 years)	108	(1)
Seniors (61+ years)	108	(1)
Summary	109	(1)
References	110	(2)
Program Design	112	(34)
Importance of Creativity	114	(5)
Brainstorming	115	(2)
Discontinuity	117	(1)
Forced Analogy	118	(1)
Mental Imagery/Visualization	118	(1)
Mind Mapping	119	(1)
Unconscious Problem Solving	119	(1)
Factors to Consider in Program Design	119	(24)
Program Areas	121	(1)
Program Formats	122	(10)
Equipment and Supplies	132	(1)
Physical Environments	132	(1)
Budget	133	(1)
Policies, Procedures, and Rules	133	(1)
Risk Management	134	(4)
Staff	138	(1)
Staff-Customer Interaction	139	(1)
Scheduling	139	(2)
Program Life Cycle	141	(2)
A Servant Leadership Approach: Empowering Participants in the Program Design Stage	143	(1)
Summary	143	(1)
References	144	(2)
Program Promotion	146	(34)
Definitions	147	(3)
Marketing	148	(1)
Public Relations	148	(1)
Promotion	148	(2)
Promotional Tools and Techniques	150	(23)
Broadcast Media	150	(1)
Emerging Technology	151	(4)
Display Media	155	(2)
Presentations	157	(1)
Printed Media	158	(8)
Other Promotional Tools	166	(7)
Factors to Consider When Promoting Programs	173	(1)
What Are the Promotion Objectives?	173	(1)
Who Is the Target Audience?	173	(1)
What Is the Budget?	173	(1)
What Is the Program?	173	(1)
At What Stage Is the Program Within the Product Life Cycle?	174	(1)
What Is the Time Frame?	174	(1)
Coordinating the Promotion Mix	174	(1)
Developing a Promotion Strategy---Treats	174	(3)
Informing	174	(1)
Educating	175	(1)
Persuading	175	(2)
Reminding	177	(1)
Promoting Programs: A Servant Leadership Approach	177	(1)
Summary	178	(1)
References	179	(1)
Pricing Program Services	180	(26)
Understand Trends	181	(4)
Decrease in Tax Support: Doing More with Less	183	(1)
Contracting Services	183	(1)
Expanded Definition of ``Cost''	183	(1)
Risk Management	184	(1)
Increased Competition	184	(1)
Mission Driven and Benefits Oriented	184	(1)
Understand Budgets	185	(1)
Calculate the Overall Costs/Understand the Price Potential	185	(3)
Indirect Costs	185	(2)
Direct Costs	187	(1)
Determine the Proportion of Cost	188	(1)
No Price Charged	188	(1)
Variable Costs	188	(1)
Partial Overhead Costs	189	(1)
Full Cost Recovery	189	(1)
Examine Differential Pricing	189	(3)
Price Differentials Based on Participants	190	(1)
Price Differentials Based on Product	190	(1)
Price Differentials Based on Place	191	(1)
Price Differentials Based on Time	191	(1)
Price Differentials Based on Quantity	191	(1)
Price Differentials as Incentives	192	(1)
Examine Alternative Funding	192	(2)
Gifts and Donations	192	(1)
Grantwriting	193	(1)
In-Kind Contributions	193	(1)
Partnerships	193	(1)
Scrounging	194	(1)
Sponsorship	194	(1)
Volunteers	194	(1)
Consider the Psychological Dimensions of Price	194	(3)
Protection of Self-Esteem	196	(1)
Price-Quality Relationship	196	(1)
Establishing a Reference Point	196	(1)
Consistency of Image	196	(1)
Odd Pricing	196	(1)
Establish the Initial Price	197	(4)
Understanding Costs and the Price Potential of Programs	197	(3)
A Servant Leadership Approach to Pricing	200	(1)
Understand Price Revision Decisions	201	(2)
Tolerance Zone	201	(1)
Customer Adjustment Period	201	(2)
Changing the Perceived Value of the Service	203	(1)
Anchor Pricing	203	(1)
Summary	203	(1)
References	204	(2)
Facilitating the Participants' Pre-Program Experience	206	(38)
Planning	209	(3)
Promotional Materials	209	(1)
Customer Friendly Registration Procedures	209	(3)
Issues Related to Registration	212	(6)
Prepared Staff	213	(1)
Ease and Accessibility of the Registration Process	214	(1)
Use of Forms	215	(1)
Payment Methods	216	(2)
Anticipation	218	(2)
Travel-To	220	(1)
Participation	220	(4)
Creation and Management of the Physical Environment	220	(1)
Pre-Program Checklists	221	(1)
Dealing with Customer Dissatisfaction	221	(3)
Travel Home	224	(1)
Reflection	224	(1)
Summary	225	(1)
References	225	(4)
The Programmer
Servant Leadership	229	(2)
Professionalism	231	(1)
Service to Community	231	(3)
Problem Solver	231	(1)
Creativity Catalyst	232	(1)
Benefits Provider	232	(2)
Service to Organization	234	(1)
Planner	234	(1)
Budgeting and Recordkeeping	234	(1)
Public Relations Specialist	235	(1)
Risk Manager	235	(1)
Service to Staff	235	(2)
Supervisor	236	(1)
Mentor/Evaluator	236	(1)
Team Player	237	(1)
Service to Constituents (Users and Nonusers)	237	(5)
Activity Analysis	237	(3)
Sequencing/Pacing	240	(1)
Preparation (Equipment, Staff, Facilities)	241	(1)
Interfacing with Constituents	241	(1)
Summary	242	(1)
References	243	(1)
The Essence of Program Evaluation	244	(24)
Definitions	246	(2)
Evaluation	246	(1)
Assessment	246	(1)
Measurement	246	(1)
Terms Related to the Timing of Evaluation	246	(1)
Terms Related to the Content of Evaluation	247	(1)
The Need to Conduct Evaluations	248	(4)
Benefits of Evaluation	249	(3)
Influences on the Evaluation Process and Outcomes	252	(2)
Ethics and Professionalism in Evaluation	252	(1)
Politics in Evaluation	252	(1)
Cultural Biases in Evaluation	253	(1)
Defining Our World-View	254	(2)
Quantitative Paradigm	254	(1)
Qualitative Paradigm	255	(1)
The Evaluation Process	256	(1)
Evaluation Models	257	(7)
Intuitive Model	257	(1)
Evaluation by Goals and Objectives	258	(2)
Goal-Free Model	260	(1)
Evaluation by Standards	260	(1)
Systems Models	261	(2)
Cost-Benefit Analysis	263	(1)
Guiding Questions	264	(1)
Why?	264	(1)
Who?	264	(1)
What?	264	(1)
When?	264	(1)
Where?	264	(1)
How?	264	(1)
Summary	265	(1)
References	266	(2)
Evaluation Tools, Techniques, and Data Analysis	268	(27)
Sampling	269	(2)
Concerns with Tools	271	(1)
Reliability	271	(1)
Validity	272	(1)
Usability	272	(1)
Tools and Techniques of Data Collection	272	(9)
Quantitative Techniques	272	(2)
Question formats	274	(4)
Qualitative Techniques	278	(2)
Triangulation	280	(1)
Data Analysis	281	(1)
Inferential Analysis	282	(1)
Descriptive Analysis	282	(1)
Techniques for Quantitative Evaluation	282	(3)
Measures of Central Tendency	283	(2)
Measures of Dispersion	285	(1)
Techniques for Qualitative Evaluation Analysis	285	(4)
Open Coding	286	(1)
Enumeration	287	(1)
Constant Comparison	288	(1)
Content Analysis	288	(1)
Report Writing	289	(3)
Front Cover	289	(1)
Section 1: Summary	289	(1)
Table of Contents	289	(1)
Section 2: Background Information	290	(1)
Section 3: Methods and Procedures	290	(1)
Section 4: Results	290	(1)
Section 5: Interpretations, Conclusions, and Recommendations	291	(1)
Appendices	291	(1)
Summary	292	(1)
References	292	(3)
Innovation (and How to Find Inspiration)	295	(24)
Creativity and Passion	296	(1)
Research and Resources	296	(20)
Adapting Resources	296	(5)
People	301	(1)
Professional Associations	302	(3)
Written Materials	305	(8)
Television and Radio	313	(1)
Electronic Media	314	(2)
Summary	316	(1)
References	317	(2)
Appendix---Tournament Scheduling	319	(1)
Ladder Tournament	320	(1)
Pyramid Tournament	321	(1)
Single Elimination Tournament	322	(1)
Single Elimination with Placement	323	(1)
Double Elimination Tournament	324	(2)
Double Elimination with Limited Placement	326	(4)
Round Robin Tournaments	330